Contact

Jay A. Langston, Ph.D.

Executive Director

Shenandoah Valley Partnership
(540) 568-3259
Email Jay

Jay A. Langston, Ph.D., has over 40 years of extensive experience in economic and business development, strengthening community engagement, and developing entrepreneurial initiatives. Jay joined SVP in December 2018 where he leads efforts to expand and relocate business to the Shenandoah Valley region. Prior work included serving as the Managing Director of Business Retention and Expansion, as Senior Business Manager/Senior Advisor in Competitive Initiatives and as Senior Research Manager at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). Prior to working at VEDP, Jay was the Executive Director of Virginia’s Gateway Region, a regional economic development organization, and Senior Business Development Representative for Chesterfield County Department of Economic Development and started in economic development in Georgia. Jay received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from Georgia Institute of Technology and Masters in Public Administration and Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. He received the 2010 Virginia Economic Developers Association’s Cardinal Award, the highest award for economic development leadership, career accomplishment and service.

Jen Weaver

Director of Operations

Shenandoah Valley Partnership
(540) 568-3100
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Jen Weaver is the Director of Operations for the Shenandoah Valley Partnership. Jen is a native of Augusta County and graduated from Bridgewater College with degrees in Business Administration and Economics. She brings to SVP over 25 years of office experience, primarily with small construction and telecommunications companies. Having lived and worked in Baltimore for nine years, it was Jen’s love of the Shenandoah Valley that eventually brought her back to this area. Jen supports critical functions and her strong administrative and accounting background are instrumental in SVP’s success.

Olivia Wright

Business Development Manager

Shenandoah Valley Partnership
(540) 394-8001
owright@theshenandoahvalley.com

Olivia Wright serves as the Business Development Manager for SVP, where she focuses on lead generation and business recruitment efforts, connecting member localities with industry partners. She brings a strong background in regional project management roles with additional experience conducting manufacturing research through UNC’s Center for Urban and Regional Studies. Olivia moved to the Shenandoah Valley in 2021, and what began as a trial run quickly became home. She loves the region’s connection to land and nature, its home-grown business community, and the collaborative spirit of Valley residents – all of which make her role at SVP so rewarding. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Global Development Studies from the University of Virginia and a Master’s in City and Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Bekka Harsh

Marketing & Communications Manager

Shenandoah Valley Partnership
(540) 568-3106
Email Bekka

Bekka Harsh, SVP’s Marketing and Communications Manager, leads the organization’s strategic marketing, communications, and branding efforts to advance SVP’s mission and tell the Shenandoah Valley story. With a background in both non-profit and private sectors, Bekka brings more than 20 years of experience to her role at SVP. A Shenandoah Valley native, she holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing from James Madison University. Bekka serves on the Board of Directors for the Explore More Discovery Museum and is a member of the Shenandoah Valley Community Air Service Task Force, the Virginia Business Roundtable for Early Education and the Public Relations Council of the Shenandoah Valley.

Shenandoah Valley Partnership

Phone: (540) 568-3100
Email: info@theshenandoahvalley.com

Address:
220 University Blvd
Suite 2100
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807