Office of Economic Development & Engagement The University of Virginia’s College at Wise 
Wise, Virginia, USA

Shannon R. Blevins is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Economic Development and Engagement at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, where she leads the college’s economic outreach efforts. She works to create opportunities for government, non-profit organisations,  businesses,  and higher education to work together to further the progress of the region. She earned a master’s degree in Business Management and Organizational Development from Averett University, and a bachelor’s degree in Business and Public Administration from UVa-Wise. She has completed a certificate in Leadership Development through Darden Executive Education as well as the Management Leadership Program through Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. Most recently, she, along with fellow Appalachian Prosperity Project leaders, facilitated regional efforts to develop the Blueprint for entrepreneurial growth and economic prosperity in Southwest Virginia as well as the Blueprint for attracting and sustaining advanced manufacturing in Southwest Virginia. She serves on the Virginia Rural Council Board and is leading SWVA’s efforts as part of the White House TechHire designation program. Prior to joining the UVa-Wise team, she served as a Senior Project Manager with the Virginia Department of Business Assistance, where she coordinated local, regional, and state efforts in support of the CGI and Northrop Grumman operations in Southwest Virginia.