CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Judy Moore, a longtime leader in West Virginia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, has been named Director of Operations for Country Roads Angel Network (CRAN), an angel investment network connecting qualified investors with early-stage businesses that have a meaningful connection to West Virginia or significant potential to benefit the state.
Moore brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship support, economic development, fundraising, and organizational leadership to the role. She helped establish CRAN while serving as Deputy Director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) and later served as CRAN president. She returns to the organization to support its operations, strengthen investor and entrepreneur engagement, and help expand its impact.
CRAN is helping address one of the biggest challenges facing early-stage businesses in West Virginia: access to investment capital. Since making its first investment in 2020, CRAN has invested nearly $2 million in 15 ventures, helping attract more than $15 million in additional capital. The network evaluates investment opportunities and connects promising businesses with investors who provide capital, business expertise, and valuable connections. By expanding access to early-stage investment, CRAN helps promising ventures move forward while contributing to West Virginia’s economic growth and innovation.
“CRAN is so excited to have Judy rejoining the operations team,” said Kevin Combs, CRAN Co-Founder and Chairman. “Judy did an incredible job in helping guide CRAN through its early years, and I couldn’t think of anyone else I’d rather work with to assist CRAN in growing into this next phase of its life.”
Moore served as Executive Director of the West Virginia Hive Network from 2017 through October 2025, leading efforts to support entrepreneurs through business advising, technical assistance, and connections to resources. Her work helped strengthen the support available to entrepreneurs in southern West Virginia and advance opportunities for business growth.
A Nicholas County native, Moore holds a bachelor’s degree in visual communication from American InterContinental University and a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from West Virginia University. Her community and economic development work has included service on the boards of the West Virginia Creative Network (formerly Tamarack Foundation for the Arts), West Virginia Women’s Business Center, and the West Virginia Community Development Hub.
Moore’s contributions to West Virginia communities and entrepreneurship have earned several honors. She was named a 2024 West Virginia Wonder Woman by WV Living magazine and was recognized that same year as a 2024 Sharp Shooter by West Virginia Executive magazine. Her earlier honors include recognition as a 2019 Power of Performance honoree at the Small Communities, BIG Solutions Conference and selection as WV Living magazine’s 2020 Best of West Virginia Community Champion for the New River/Greenbrier Valley region.
“Having been part of CRAN’s creation and early growth, returning to the organization in this role is especially exciting for me,” Moore said. “I’ve always believed in the potential of West Virginia entrepreneurs and the importance of connecting them with the capital, expertise, and relationships they need to succeed. CRAN has made tremendous progress, and I’m thrilled to be back, working alongside our investors and partners to build on that momentum, expand our impact, and help more West Virginia businesses turn promising ideas into successful ventures.”
CRAN is led by Combs and Vice Chairman Marc Halbritter.
About Country Roads Angel Network
Country Roads Angel Network (CRAN) is a West Virginia nonprofit organization that connects qualified investors with early-stage businesses that have a meaningful connection to West Virginia or significant potential to benefit the state. CRAN provides entrepreneurs access to potential seed-stage investment and experienced business professionals who can contribute expertise and mentorship. By mobilizing private investment and leveraging additional capital, CRAN helps promising businesses pursue growth, innovation, and economic opportunity in West Virginia.
CRAN’s development has been supported by a startup grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, along with support from the One Foundation, Massey Family Foundation, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.
Learn more at www.wvcran.com.
