New River Gorge Regional Development Authority executive director Jina Belcher steps down

BECKLEY, W.Va. — The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) Board of Directors today announced its executive director, Jina Belcher, has stepped down from her role, following more than seven years of leadership and service to Southern West Virginia.

“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 of Directors has appointed Amy Showalter as acting executive director and will lead a transition process in the coming months to ensure continuity of leadership and sustained progress across the organization’s priorities. The NRGRDA remains committed to its mission of driving economic growth, supporting entrepreneurs and advancing opportunities that benefit the communities of the New River Gorge 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.”