The West Piedmont Planning District Commission (WPPDC) Board of Commissioners selected Kristna (Kristie) Eberly to serve as the next executive director at a November 30 meeting.
Eberly began her duties on December 1, following Michael Armbrister, who served as the executive director for three years.
Eberly joined the Planning District Commission in November 2020 and served as the Associate Director, Regional Programs Director and Interim Executive Director. Before joining the WPPDC, Eberly spent more than 16 years with the Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland as Executive Coordinator focusing on economic development, grant writing and administration and legislative activities. She also has experience as Grants Administrator for two Maryland cities, Crisfield and Pocomoke.
“The West Piedmont region is on the cusp of so many great things. People on all levels are working to recruit business and industry, expand educational opportunities, improve broadband access, expand housing choices, grow the tourism industry, and support local small business and the West Piedmont PDC is proud to be a partner in these endeavors,” Eberly said.
“We will continue to partner with our local governments and regional organizations to secure state and federal funding, strengthen our communities and make the most of the opportunities available,” she said. “I am honored and grateful to be appointed executive director and look forward to collaborating with our partners on new projects and programs to benefit our communities. I chose to make rural Virginia my home and was so fortunate to discover the West Piedmont region and all it has to offer.”
“The West Piedmont Board is excited that Ms. Eberly has accepted the position,” stated Jim Adams, chairman of the WPPDC. “We have full confidence in her abilities to steer the WPPDC into the future and carry on the PDC’s collaborative efforts with communities to help them achieve their goals.”
The West Piedmont Planning District is a regional planning organization serving the counties of Franklin, Henry, Patrick, and Pittsylvania; the cities of Danville and Martinsville; and the Town of Rocky Mount.
