The Shadow
ABINGDON, Va. (VR) – Friends of Southwest Virginia is excited to announce the latest addition to its team as Olivia Bailey will join the organization next week as Director of Marketing.
Olivia is a Smyth County native with proud roots as a Chilhowie graduate. She brings more than a decade of experience in the broadcast journalism industry with positions at some of the nation’s most recognizable news outlets, including CNN and CBS News. Olivia has spent most of her career telling the stories of Southwest Virginia at Bristol-based NBC affiliate, WCYB. She served as co-anchor of News 5 Today and is known for her reporting experience along the Interstate-81 corridor and coalfield region.
“I have always appreciated the strong work ethic, compassion, and resiliency of this region,” Bailey said. “We are all a part of the success story of our place, but we must first understand its history and culture while finding creative and innovative solutions to empower residents and cherish our natural beauty in a place so many call home.”
Olivia is a graduate of Emory & Henry College with degrees in mass communications and public policy and community service. She is also currently working to complete a master’s degree in community and organizational leadership. As Olivia begins her new role, she is returning to her roots. She served the Town of Marion as an assistant for the Office of Economic and Community Development as her first job out of high school. Olivia finds passion in service through storytelling and active engagement in the communities of this region.
“We are thrilled to welcome Olivia, as she brings a wealth of experience to this important leadership position,” said Kim Davis, executive director of Friends of Southwest Virginia. “Olivia has a true passion for Southwest Virginia, and her professional experience, long-standing relationships, and in-depth knowledge of Southwest Virginia will be an incredible asset to our organization and region.”
Olivia will begin her new role with Friends of Southwest Virginia on September 7.
About Friends of Southwest Virginia
Southwest Virginia includes 19 counties and four independent cities located near the southern and western border of Virginia. The Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission, established in 2008 by the Virginia General Assembly, takes the lead in developing a creative economy in Southwest Virginia. In 2011, the Commission became the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation, a self-sustaining community development organization with support from the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through a supporting non-profit, the Friends of Southwest Virginia, businesses, and individuals help artists, crafts people, localities, nonprofits and entrepreneurs mobilize and succeed. To learn more visit https://friendsofswva. org/.
