The Shadow
LOW MOOR — Alleghany Highlands YMCA CEO Bobbie W. Wagner has completed the 2025 Virginia Rural
Leadership Institute training program, the commonwealth’s flagship leadership initiative focused on developing
and empowering existing and emerging rural leaders.
Wagner was among 23 graduates from the fourth cohort of the VRLI. The graduation ceremony was held
recently in Tappahannock.
As a signature component of VRLI, members are also required to complete a community impact project — real-
world initiatives that leverage their leadership training to create positive change within their communities. Each
project is supported by guidance from a wide range of subject matter experts.
“I am grateful to have participated in the 2025 Virginia Rural Leadership Institute and look forward to
completing my community impact project in 2026,” Wagner said. “This opportunity provided me with resources,
connections and new skills to continue rooting for rural Virginia. I am excited to continue to advocate for the
Alleghany Highlands.”
Over the past six months, VRLI cohort members engaged in a comprehensive series of sessions held across
Virginia’s diverse rural regions — including Southside Virginia, Southwest Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley,
Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck. Each session featured expert-led discussions on key topics such as
economic development, housing, education, healthcare, broadband access and agriculture, while also offering
immersive place-based learning experiences with local leaders and community innovators.
This year, the program expanded its reach by adding new stops in Luray for the Shenandoah Valley session,
Halifax for the Southside session, Wytheville for the Southwest session and made a return visit to St. Paul where
cohort members experienced the region firsthand through an ATV tour or kayaking along the Clinch River.
“In its fourth year, VRLI continues to prove its value by preparing a new generation of leaders who understand
both the challenges and opportunities of rural life,” said Sen. R. Creigh Deeds (D-Bath County), chair of the Sen.
Frank M. Ruff Jr. Center for Rural Virginia. “I look forward to seeing the impact this talented group will make as
they put their experience and projects into action in their rural communities.”
Each VRLI participant completes their community impact project as a capstone to the program. These projects,
developed in partnership with a wide range of mentors, the Virginia Rural Center staff and the VRLI Advisory
Committee, address issues such as public safety, food security, workforce development, youth engagement,
senior support and community revitalization. The initiative ensures that graduates not only gain leadership skills
but also leave a tangible mark on their local communities.
“Through sessions held across five regions, this cohort of leaders deepened their connection to rural Virginia and
gained insights from communities that have developed innovative solutions to local challenges,” said Kristie
Proctor, executive director of the Virginia Rural Center. “Their community impact projects reflect the heart of
VRLI by creating practical, lasting change for rural Virginia.”
The graduation ceremony, held in October, brought together leaders and VRLI alumni from across the state to
celebrate this year’s class. Program speakers included Sen. Deeds, Sen. Emily Jordan, vice chair of the center,
Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr, a member of the center board, and Bryan David, chair of
the Council for Rural Virginia.
The VRLI program’s success is supported by a network of partners who invest in rural leadership development
through funding, recruitment and program design. Sponsors include Commonwealth Fiber Services, Danville
Community College Foundation, Dominion Energy, The RiverLink Group, LLC, Microsoft, Mid Atlantic Broadband
Corporation, Virginia Housing, the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission and the Virginia Poultry Growers
Cooperative. The Virginia Rural Center continues to expand this network to reach even more communities
across the state.
“VRLI’s success comes from strong partnerships and a shared commitment to rural leadership,” David said. “This
program continues to build a network of leaders who will help rural Virginia grow and thrive for years to come.”
The Virginia Rural Center is a collaborative partnership of the Sen. Frank M. Ruff Jr. Center for Rural Virginia and
the Council for Rural Virginia, who work together toward the mission of economic prosperity for rural
communities throughout Virginia. Ruff, a Republican who died in October 2024, served in the Virginia General Assembly as both a member of the House of Delegates for the 61st District from 1994 to 2000 and the Virginia Senate for the 15th District from 2000 to 2024, representing portions of Southside Virginia.
Together, the center and the council work with federal, state and local policymakers as well as private sector
stakeholders to improve economic opportunities and preserve the quality of life throughout rural Virginia. Learn
more about the center and council at www.cfrv.org.
