BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) is beginning a leadership transition following the resignation of Executive Director Jina Belcher after more than seven years of service to the organization and Southern West Virginia.
The NRGRDA Board of Directors announced Thursday that Belcher has stepped down from the position.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve Southern West Virginia in this role,” said Belcher.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have built together; from supporting entrepreneurs through WV Hive to advancing transformative projects across the region. As the organization continues to evolve alongside changing opportunities and priorities, I feel this is the right time for me to transition to more strongly align with my purpose and passion for impact. I step away knowing the NRGRDA will remain an economic development leader in West Virginia.”
The board has appointed Amy Showalter as acting executive director while it conducts a leadership transition process in the coming months.
According to the organization, the transition is intended to ensure continuity of leadership and continued progress on its economic development initiatives throughout the New River Gorge region.
The NRGRDA said it remains committed to its mission of promoting economic growth, supporting entrepreneurs and advancing opportunities that benefit communities across the region.
“Since her transition to the role of Executive Director in December of 2020, Jina has been instrumental in bringing countless businesses and jobs to the four New River Gorge counties she served,” said NRGRDA Board Chair Allison Rae Taylor. “Jina’s expertise and dedication to the NRGRDA’s mission is unparalleled and we are grateful for her service to our communities.”
