It is with great pleasure and excitement that we extend a warm welcome to the newest members of our team. We are thrilled to have each of them join the vibrant community at VTCRC.
New Team Members
Kathy Stoner
Kathy joined us on November 1st as an Accountant at the CRC. She is a local resident who was born and raised in the area. She earned her bachelor’s degree in management & leadership from Bluefield College and an Associate degree in Accounting from NRCC. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and water & snow skiing. She also loves to read and craft. She volunteers at the Montgomery County Christmas Store and enjoys spending time with her family and dogs.
Kellen Larkin
Kellen joined us on November 16th as the CoGro Administrator. He obtained his undergraduate degree at UVA Wise and is a Belmont University MBA graduate with significant experience in management, operations, community partnerships, and account oversight. Kellen and his wife, Rachel, recently moved back to the area (their hometown) from Tennessee and are excited to rejoin the Hokie community. Kellen is an avid baseball fan, greatly enjoys reading, and spends most of his free time with his wife and two dogs, Alfie and Hattie.
Sarah Gayle Leonard
Sarah joined us on December 1st as the Projects and Administration Coordinator. She joins our team from off-campus student housing. She holds a BA in Communications from Longwood University and looks forward to earning her Master’s degree. Originally from Virginia Beach, she has been a proud resident of Montgomery County for two years and loves the culture as much as the landscape. On weekends, you can find her in Fredericksburg enjoying the company of her two children or entertaining in her Christiansburg cottage. She loves singing all genres of music and performs as an alto in the New River Voices Choral Society. She is tightly partnered with VTVCare.org and VictimsFirst.org in the ongoing effort to pass Mass Violence Care Funds across the country.
Phoenix Smith
Phoenix recently joined us at the COgro Intern. She is a third-year student at Virginia Tech where she studies Communications with minors in Entrepreneurship and Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE). Post-college, she plans on entering the business world, possibly in consulting or human resources.
VTCRC Ecosystem
A Diverse Tapestry of Talents:
Our success is built on the diverse talents and skills that each team member brings to the table. We believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds contributes to the strength and resilience of our community. Their unique contributions will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping the future of the VTCRC.
Collaboration is Key:
At the VTCRC, collaboration is not just encouraged; it’s at the heart of everything we do. As they settle into their roles, they will find opportunities to connect with fellow team members, researchers, and industry professionals. Through these collaborations, we aim to create an environment where ideas flourish, partnerships thrive, and innovations come to life.
Community Spirit:
Beyond the office walls, they’ll discover a community that values camaraderie and a shared sense of purpose. Our social events, workshops, and networking opportunities are designed to foster connections and build lasting relationships. We believe that a strong sense of community enhances both professional and personal well-being.
Welcome to the VTCRC team – a place where innovation knows no bounds, collaboration is celebrated, and success is a collective endeavor. We look forward to witnessing the incredible contributions each of you will make to our community.
Here’s to new beginnings, shared accomplishments, and a future filled with limitless possibilities!