
Katie Boswell
Executive Director
As Executive Director, Katie manages the Onward NRV team and promotes Virginia's New River Valley as a premier destination to live, work, and do business. Originally from Blacksburg, Katie earned a B.S. in Psychology from Davidson College in 2009 and a M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Vanderbilt University in 2010. Katie spends her free time reading, gardening, and exploring the NRV with her family.
Katie@OnwardNRV.org
540-267-0007

Samantha Livesay
Director of Business Engagement
As Director of Business Engagement, Samantha works alongside our investors, local employers and educational institutions to support business attraction and retention. She promotes the NRV Experience to area employers as an effort to attract and retain world class talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. As a Christiansburg native, Samantha earned her B.S. in Communication from Radford University. She loves spending time with her family either hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains or camping on the New River, and they appreciate the opportunities to enjoy nature that making their home in the New River Valley provides.
Samantha@OnwardNRV.org
540-267-0007

Ian Littlejohn
Marketing Manager
As Marketing Manager, Ian is the steward of the Onward NRV and Virginia's New River Valley brands. His professional endeavors span two decades and are as diverse as his interests. Ian has held positions ranging from Winemaker on northern California's "Lost Coast" to Director of Business Development with territories in Europe, South America, and Asia. Ian fell in love with the NRV during his most recent tenure as the Director of the Blacksburg Farmers Market. He draws inspiration from the region's intense beauty and enthusiastically works to promote the New River Valley as the premier destination to live, work, and do business. Ian is an avid musician and resides in Blacksburg with his wife Jessica and their four children.
Ian@OnwardNRV.org
540-267-0007

Christy Dodd
Office Manager
As Office Manager, Christy is our team's organizer, responsible for maintaining the working order in the Onward NRV office. Originally from Nelson County, Christy graduated from George Mason University in 1998 with a B.S. in Psychology. In 2009 she received her Associate’s Degree in Accounting from New River Community College. In her spare time, Christy enjoys reading, spending time with her family and friends, and enjoying all of the amenities that Virginia's New River Valley has to offer.