WASHINGTON, DC - Kevin Byrd, Executive Director of the New  River Valley Regional Commission (NRVRC), was elected President of the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) on October 22, 2019, at NADO's Annual Business Meeting. The meeting was held in conjunction with the Association's Annual Training Conference in Reno, Nevada.

Byrd has been executive director of the NRVRC (Radford, VA) for ten years, having previously served as a staff planner for four years. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions (VAPDC) for ten years, serving as Secretary/Treasurer for nine of those years. In 2018, he received the VAPDC President's Award for helping lead the Association through a strategic assessment and hiring of VAPDC's first executive director.

As NADO President, he will work with the NADO Board of Directors which oversees the Association's budget and operations and develops policy on issues affecting regional development organizations. NADO member organizations serve local governments and the public within their regions through various programs focused on diversifying local economies, assisting businesses, creating jobs and providing vital community services.

"We are excited for this opportunity for Kevin to put his knowledge and skills to work on the national level," said VAPDC President Kim Callis. "We wish him the best during his time as NADO President."

"Kevin brings a wealth of expertise, knowledge, and leadership on regional community and economic development issues to the national level," stated Joe McKinney, NADO Executive Director. "Most importantly, he is focused on helping our nation's local communities pursue comprehensive regional strategies for remaining economically competitive in today's rapidly changing global environment."

Kevin will serve as President of NADO through October 20, 2020.

The first planning district commissions (PDCs) were established in 1969 following enactment the prior year of the Virginia Area Development Act by the General Assembly. There are 21 PDCs and regional commissions in Virginia made up of elected officials and citizens appointed by local governments. The purpose of the PDCs is to encourage and facilitate regional solutions to problems of area-wide significance, by promoting the efficient development of the physical, social, and economic policies of all districts by assisting local governments to plan for the future. The PDCs of Virginia have joined together to create the Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions to share best practices, and advance regionalism across the commonwealth. For more information about VAPDC, visit the website at www.vapdc.org .

 

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