Abingdon, VA (June 25, 2024) – United Way of Southwest Virginia (UWSWVA) hired Megan Parks as its new Executive Director, signaling a new era for a nonprofit that has been a pillar of the community for more than 60 years.
Parks brings a decade’s worth of experience designing and leading community-based programming and nonprofit strategy throughout Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Most recently, Parks directed strategy and impact initiatives at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee, an organization that recently received grant funding from the famed philanthropist, Mackenzie Scott.
“We are thrilled to have Megan’s leadership during this important time for United Way of Southwest Virginia,” shared Kris Westover, President of Mountain Empire Community College and incoming chair for the UWSWVA Board of Directors. “She brings a wealth of strategic planning, public policy, and program development skills that will play a critical role in continuing our work.”
In addition to hiring Parks as the new executive director, UWSWVA also announced the new roster for the Board of Directors:
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Todd Asbury, Pastor
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Cameron Bell, Attorney, Penn Stuart
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Haskel Bledsoe, Vice President Special Projects, Food City
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Dennis Carter, Superintendent, Smyth County
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Whitney Czelusniak, Economic Development, AEP
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Paula Dawson-Downs, Adjunct Faculty, Health and Human Performance, Radford University
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Donna Henry, Chancellor, UVA Wise
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Lucy Hochstein, Professor Emerita of Criminal Justice, Radford University
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Kalen Hunter, Program Director Go Virginia, UVA Wise
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Alan Jones, Jr., Vice President – Technical Accounting, Alpha Natural Resources
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Brendan McSheehy, VP of Innovation & Intellectual Property, Universal Fiber Systems LLC
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Heather Nicholson, Self-Employed
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Andre Richmond, Regional Administrative Manager, Virginia Department of Social Services
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AJ Robinson, Director of Communications and Tourism, Tazewell County
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Jonathan Sweet, County Administrator, Pulaski County
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Kris Westover, President, Mountain Empire Community College
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Chad Whittington, Plant Manager, Mohawk Industries
“These board members reflect the communities we serve and stand as a testament to the level of excellence that United Way of Southwest Virginia is known for,” shared Westover. “Between this Board of Directors, Megan Parks, and our current UWSWVA staff, I cannot imagine a better team to serve as stewards and leaders as our organization steps into the future.
The United Way of Southwest Virginia has seen numerous expansions in recent years, most recently reorganizing into two separate nonprofits to expand its program delivery model. Parks and the newly announced Board of Directors represent an important milestone in the organization’s strategy.
