Developing a Diverse Economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia
Governor Spanberger Appoints New Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission Executive Director
TRRC
Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-894-9652
Email: jbutler@revitalizeva.org
Website: www.revitalizeva.org
Office of the Secretary of Commerce and Trade
Contact: Commerce.Trade@governor.virginia.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
7/27/26
RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger has appointed David Manley to serve as Executive Director of the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission.
“Virginians who live and work in Southern and Southwest Virginia face unique challenges and will be served well by an expert who knows the region, who is focused on delivering for these communities, and who is committed to executing a vision to deliver for economies across the region,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “David Manley understands what these communities need to build a stronger future. He has vast experience in guiding impactful projects, and I am certain that his expertise will be an immense asset as we work together to create good jobs and opportunity in every corner of the Commonwealth.”
“The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission has the responsibility and opportunity to grow and diversify the economy of 40 distinct localities of the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. “I am delighted to work alongside and fully support David Manley as he leads this organization to advance the next strategic chapter of Southern and Southwest Virginia’s story. As a native of and accomplished professional within the region, David brings his dedication to economic, community, and business development together in this role. Through strong collaborations, he will advance Governor Spanberger’s clear vision to grow an economy that delivers for every Virginian.”
“Virginia’s Tobacco Region is 400 miles across, and no single solution fits every corner of it,” said David Manley. “The strongest partnerships start by understanding community priorities and capacity. The Commission has been a valuable partner to this region for decades, and I’m committed to making sure it remains effective, community by community. It’s an honor to serve the Commonwealth and the people of Southern and Southwest Virginia.”
“As the Commission continues its third decade of working with our partners from across the footprint to bring jobs, investment, and resources to Southern and Southwest Virginia it is critical that we have excellent leadership on staff to guide our efforts,” said TRRC Chairman, Delegate Will Morefield. “I am excited to work with David in the years ahead and extend my thanks to Governor Spanberger and her team for selecting an excellent leader and native of Southwest Virginia to serve as the Commission’s Executive Director.”
“Investing in our communities and ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive is at the heart of the Commission’s mission. David Manley’s appointment by Governor Spanberger is proof of our commitment to continue advancing opportunities across Southern and Southwest Virginia,” said TRRC Vice-Chair Senator Lashrecse Aird. “David has a proven track record of delivering results and building strong partnerships that strengthen Virginia’s communities. I also want to thank Deputy Director Stephen Versen for his outstanding leadership over the past six months. With David’s leadership and the strong foundation Stephen has helped maintain, I am confident the Commission will continue delivering meaningful investments and lasting impact for the communities we serve across Southern and Southwest Virginia.”
About David
David Manley is an economic development practitioner with more than a decade of experience working with businesses large and small, local governments, the Commonwealth and its agencies, and public and private sector partners to grow economic opportunity in Southwest Virginia and beyond.
He most recently served as Executive Director of the Joint Industrial Development Authority of Wythe County, Wytheville, and Rural Retreat, where he led business attraction and retention efforts that brought more than $2 billion in investment to the community.
In 2022, he served as the 40th President of the Virginia Economic Developers Association, and he represents Virginia on the board of directors of the Southern Economic Development Council. David holds the Master Economic Development Practitioner designation and a B.A. in Government from the University of Virginia.
He has a long record of civic leadership in Southwest Virginia, including as founding chair of the nonprofit board that restored the historic Millwald Theatre in downtown Wytheville, co-founder and advisor of Wythe-Bland Young Professionals, and founder and co-chair of the Wytheville Wine Festival.
A native Wythe Countian, David established and operated West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery for over a dozen years before entering economic development, and he brings a practitioner’s perspective shaped by more than a decade leading economic development at the local level to his work at the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission.
About the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission
The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is a 28-member body created by the 1999 General Assembly. Its mission is the promotion of economic growth and development in Southern and Southwest Virginia communities, using proceeds of the national tobacco settlement. To date, the Commission has awarded more than 2,000 grants totaling more than $1.1 billion across its Southern and Southwest Virginia footprint and has provided $309 million in indemnification payments to tobacco growers and quota holders.
The Commission seeks to accelerate regional transformation, giving citizens expansive opportunities for education and employment, and providing communities the benefits of economic stability, economic diversification, and enhanced prosperity through a variety of targeted grant and loan programs.
For more about the Commission please visit our website: www.revitalizeva.org
Commission Contact:
Jordan Butler
PR Director
Jbutler@revitalizeva.org
(804) 894-9652
