People and Contact
Amelia Bandy (EDGE co-founder)
Executive Director
(276) 596-4002
econdevgreatereast@gmail.com
A native of Richlands, VA, Bandy graduated from Emory & Henry College in Mass Communication and then completed her MBA at King University with a concentration in Marketing.
Amelia Bandy is currently an opioid and addiction educator for six counties in Southwestern Virginia through Extension Services and Virginia Tech.
For eight years, Bandy worked in public health with the Virginia Department of Health. Additionally, she has worked with the VA Dept of Aging and Rehabilitative Services as a Job Developer to help individuals regain employment after disability. Bandy began a health and wellness coalition in Tazewell, VA, helped start a farmers market there, and also worked on farm to table committees in Tazewell and Richlands.
Bandy is the inaugural executive director for EDGE. She is excited to be a part of the solution for economic revitalization and health improvement in the region. Bandy represents EDGE at local and regional meetings, leads the EDGE voting board, works together with Shannon Lenahan and board members on EDGE mission and fiscal guidance.
Executive Director
(276) 596-4002
econdevgreatereast@gmail.com
A native of Richlands, VA, Bandy graduated from Emory & Henry College in Mass Communication and then completed her MBA at King University with a concentration in Marketing.
Amelia Bandy is currently an opioid and addiction educator for six counties in Southwestern Virginia through Extension Services and Virginia Tech.
For eight years, Bandy worked in public health with the Virginia Department of Health. Additionally, she has worked with the VA Dept of Aging and Rehabilitative Services as a Job Developer to help individuals regain employment after disability. Bandy began a health and wellness coalition in Tazewell, VA, helped start a farmers market there, and also worked on farm to table committees in Tazewell and Richlands.
Bandy is the inaugural executive director for EDGE. She is excited to be a part of the solution for economic revitalization and health improvement in the region. Bandy represents EDGE at local and regional meetings, leads the EDGE voting board, works together with Shannon Lenahan and board members on EDGE mission and fiscal guidance.
Shannon Lenahan
Development Associate
Shannon.a.lenahan@gmail.com
After working for a number of years as a chemical engineer, Shannon Lenahan joined EDGE during the summer of 2017 to provide fundraising and general project support. Her belief in quality food and agriculture as essential to good health led her to keep a small non-commercial farm for a time, and, having contributed to the commercial farming efforts of others, she is familiar with the challenges they face. She has experience executing and reporting on government contracts, having worked for both the US Navy and for government contractors. Lenahan is happy to be devoting her efforts to subjects close to her heart.
Development Associate
Shannon.a.lenahan@gmail.com
After working for a number of years as a chemical engineer, Shannon Lenahan joined EDGE during the summer of 2017 to provide fundraising and general project support. Her belief in quality food and agriculture as essential to good health led her to keep a small non-commercial farm for a time, and, having contributed to the commercial farming efforts of others, she is familiar with the challenges they face. She has experience executing and reporting on government contracts, having worked for both the US Navy and for government contractors. Lenahan is happy to be devoting her efforts to subjects close to her heart.
EDGE Board Members (Voting)
Travis Lowe. With a long history in finance, this Richlands, VA native is committed to bringing a wide range of stakeholders to the table to forward economic stability and prosperity to the Appalachian region. Along with his work as a pastor, Lowe initiated very successful business roundtables and meet and greets for the Tazewell County, VA-Mercer County, WV micropolitan region. From these sprang an effort to bring an MIT FabLab to the area, now located in Bluefield, WV. See: https://www.makebluefield.com/en
Lowe also works closely with regional businesses to boost sales and collaboration, and, to find business entrepreneurial support. In this capacity, he also is a supporter of the Center for Applied Research Technology at Bluefield State.
Learn more about Lowe's amazing community work at:
https://medium.com/@travlow
Lowe also works closely with regional businesses to boost sales and collaboration, and, to find business entrepreneurial support. In this capacity, he also is a supporter of the Center for Applied Research Technology at Bluefield State.
Learn more about Lowe's amazing community work at:
https://medium.com/@travlow
Ellen Darden. In addition to former work at Concord University as core faculty in social work with a speciality in the issues affecting rural places, Dr. Darden has worked as a business and career coach for high profile clients such as Mercedes-Benz. A licensed marriage and family therapist, Dr. Darden also engages in a wide range of community work for rural integrity.
Contact and connect with Ellen:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-darden-0461737/
Contact and connect with Ellen:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-darden-0461737/
Atlas Charles. Atlas Charles, a native of Southwest Virginia, obtained a B.S. in Psychology from Bluefield College.
After graduation, Atlas taught Biology with Teach For America in the rural Arkansas Delta for two years. Atlas also began an entrepreneurship journey in Hurley, VA, their hometown where they owned a successful pizzeria for three years that used Appalachian Heritage as a cornerstone of its food and story.
Atlas, returning home from the Delta, studied for their M.A. in Appalachian Studies at East Tennessee State University In Johnson City, TN, where they focused on community and economic development; local food and agriculture; and rural queer studies.
After graduating, Atlas completed a research internship with the Appalachian Regional Commission in Washington D.C. before traveling internationally to teach university-level EFL.
Atlas has since returned to East Tennessee. There Atlas volunteers with local agriculture groups and the TN/VA Mutual Aid Network. They work as Development Director at The Crisis Center of Bristol, VA.
Happy to be back in the mountains, Atlas, their wife, and their dog live happily, tend a garden, and enjoy the Appalachian peculiarities that they grew to miss elsewhere.
After graduation, Atlas taught Biology with Teach For America in the rural Arkansas Delta for two years. Atlas also began an entrepreneurship journey in Hurley, VA, their hometown where they owned a successful pizzeria for three years that used Appalachian Heritage as a cornerstone of its food and story.
Atlas, returning home from the Delta, studied for their M.A. in Appalachian Studies at East Tennessee State University In Johnson City, TN, where they focused on community and economic development; local food and agriculture; and rural queer studies.
After graduating, Atlas completed a research internship with the Appalachian Regional Commission in Washington D.C. before traveling internationally to teach university-level EFL.
Atlas has since returned to East Tennessee. There Atlas volunteers with local agriculture groups and the TN/VA Mutual Aid Network. They work as Development Director at The Crisis Center of Bristol, VA.
Happy to be back in the mountains, Atlas, their wife, and their dog live happily, tend a garden, and enjoy the Appalachian peculiarities that they grew to miss elsewhere.
Terri H. Philpott. Terri Philpott is an Instructor in Social Work at Concord University in Athens, WV.
She earned a B.S. from Bluefield State College and an M.S.W. A resident of Athens, she has been Director of Student Support Services at Concord while also teaching adjunct at the University.
Connect and contact Terri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terri-philpott-b3942353/
She earned a B.S. from Bluefield State College and an M.S.W. A resident of Athens, she has been Director of Student Support Services at Concord while also teaching adjunct at the University.
Connect and contact Terri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terri-philpott-b3942353/
Jennifer Lawrence. Jennifer is currently a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at The Global Forum on Urban and Regional Resilience at Virginia Tech, where she works collaboratively on issues at the intersection of political economy and the environment. Her current research projects examine contradictory practices and processes of accumulation by dispossession related to resource extraction and socio-environmental (in)justice.
Her work highlights the tension between chronic and acute socio-environmental disasters that account for self-legitimating cycles of disaster production and response. She is also exploring artistic forms of political resistance. Prior to coming to Virginia Tech, Jennifer earned a Master of Science in International Political Economy from the London School of Economics and Political Science, where her research focused on the political economy of natural resource conflicts.
In addition to her academic career, Jennifer has worked in a number of capacities on a range of international issues including: European Union energy policy, while she was the Executive Director at the Foundation on Economic Trends; human trafficking and debt relief during her time in the US House of Representatives; and a number of international development projects while consulting for USAID in Jordan.
Contact and connect Jennifer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-lawrence-532474125/
Her work highlights the tension between chronic and acute socio-environmental disasters that account for self-legitimating cycles of disaster production and response. She is also exploring artistic forms of political resistance. Prior to coming to Virginia Tech, Jennifer earned a Master of Science in International Political Economy from the London School of Economics and Political Science, where her research focused on the political economy of natural resource conflicts.
In addition to her academic career, Jennifer has worked in a number of capacities on a range of international issues including: European Union energy policy, while she was the Executive Director at the Foundation on Economic Trends; human trafficking and debt relief during her time in the US House of Representatives; and a number of international development projects while consulting for USAID in Jordan.
Contact and connect Jennifer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-lawrence-532474125/
Bryan Zulko. Following graduation from Texas State University with a degree in International Relations, Bryan began his career in the world of politics.
Beginning in the Foreign Policy office of the late Senator Ted Kennedy, throughout the years, Bryan has held various leadership positions and active memberships in organizations such as The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Kiwanis Club, Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Club, NAACP and the NRA. In addition, Bryan was a 2010 graduate of the Congressional Black Caucus Political Institute.
Bryan has worked in various positions for the USDA.
Beginning in the Foreign Policy office of the late Senator Ted Kennedy, throughout the years, Bryan has held various leadership positions and active memberships in organizations such as The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Kiwanis Club, Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Club, NAACP and the NRA. In addition, Bryan was a 2010 graduate of the Congressional Black Caucus Political Institute.
Bryan has worked in various positions for the USDA.
Rebecca Jennings. As a resident of southern West Virginia and advanced social practitioner, Rebecca Jennings is familiar with issues of poverty, nutrition and development across the lifespan, social and economic conditions relative to the abandoned coalfields of the Appalachian region, and systematic challenges faced by rural communities. Rebecca has a lifelong commitment to serving others in multiple contexts, including community-based and public services. She has greater than seven years' experience in human services including direct practice, supervision, and leadership in government social services with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.
She currently provides complex administrative oversight, program direction and development, and policy writing at state levels of government. Rebecca has experience in micro, mezzo, and macro social work practice through direct practice with individuals and families, crisis prevention and intervention, community collaborations and partnerships, program advocacy and revitalization, and leadership. Program work and career experience largely targets the growing and diverse needs of vulnerable adults and families of West Virginia.
Rebecca graduated Magna Cum Laude from Bluefield State College in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science, Concentration in Psychology, and Minor in History. During undergraduate studies, she participated in the McNair Scholars Honor Program and conducted independent research alongside doctoral professors, presenting findings at a regional institution fair. In 2020, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Concord University with a Master of Social Work Degree in Advanced Generalist Practice with Rural Concentration. Rebecca has national honor recognition through the Kappa Omicron Phi Alpha Honor Society.
Undergraduate and graduate research and projects have focused on major topics of: Critical feminist theory, postwar and contemporary exclusive beauty standards extended to African-American women, examination of the penal system within West Virginia, homelessness, and recidivism, contemporary rural issues and challenges including pitfalls of state and federal programs, disparity of resources for the aging population, development across the lifespan and implications on aging-in-place, practice and research in rural settings of Appalachia, and community organizing.
Through advanced graduate coursework, Rebecca began working with EDGE as a volunteer in September 2019. She has collaborated with academic peers to implement community organization strategies with EDGE. Rebecca has served as a board member for this group since May 2020. Personally affected by community food deserts and low health literacy, Rebecca is enthusiastic and motivated to continue this work to effectuate positive change for individuals, families, and local communities and brighter futures for our families and children.
Contact: jenningsr30@mycu.concord.edu
She currently provides complex administrative oversight, program direction and development, and policy writing at state levels of government. Rebecca has experience in micro, mezzo, and macro social work practice through direct practice with individuals and families, crisis prevention and intervention, community collaborations and partnerships, program advocacy and revitalization, and leadership. Program work and career experience largely targets the growing and diverse needs of vulnerable adults and families of West Virginia.
Rebecca graduated Magna Cum Laude from Bluefield State College in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science, Concentration in Psychology, and Minor in History. During undergraduate studies, she participated in the McNair Scholars Honor Program and conducted independent research alongside doctoral professors, presenting findings at a regional institution fair. In 2020, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Concord University with a Master of Social Work Degree in Advanced Generalist Practice with Rural Concentration. Rebecca has national honor recognition through the Kappa Omicron Phi Alpha Honor Society.
Undergraduate and graduate research and projects have focused on major topics of: Critical feminist theory, postwar and contemporary exclusive beauty standards extended to African-American women, examination of the penal system within West Virginia, homelessness, and recidivism, contemporary rural issues and challenges including pitfalls of state and federal programs, disparity of resources for the aging population, development across the lifespan and implications on aging-in-place, practice and research in rural settings of Appalachia, and community organizing.
Through advanced graduate coursework, Rebecca began working with EDGE as a volunteer in September 2019. She has collaborated with academic peers to implement community organization strategies with EDGE. Rebecca has served as a board member for this group since May 2020. Personally affected by community food deserts and low health literacy, Rebecca is enthusiastic and motivated to continue this work to effectuate positive change for individuals, families, and local communities and brighter futures for our families and children.
Contact: jenningsr30@mycu.concord.edu
EDGE advisory council (Non-Voting)
Jason Tartt (EDGE co-founder)
Originally from the Pocahontas Coalfield, US Army veteran Jason Tartt operates T&T Organics, LLC in McDowell County, WV. He has been farming for 13 years. Jason brings business and operations management and development to the table, gained from his career with a government subcontractor where he was also heavily involved in contract bids, negotiations, and execution for the Department of Defense. He possesses extensive management experience, is highly skilled in employee development, and is known as an excellent team builder. Jason mentors EDGE THRIVE program participants extensively, advocates for reskilling in food production, pilots mountain farming products, and contributes his expertise in high tunnel production to EDGE programs and the region. Jason also works to find secure markets for mountain farm products. |
Crystal Cook Marshall (EDGE co-founder) (pictured left) Originally from Mercer County, WV, Crystal finished her PhD in Science and Technology Studies in Society at Virginia Tech fall 2017, examining the potential for land-based industry growth in Southwest Virginia, Southern West Virginia, and I -77 NC. In addition to co-founding EDGE with Bandy, Tartt, and others, she also co-founded SEEDH, a for-profit producers cooperative project headquartered in the Appalachian coalfields region, but with a regional focus. With her husband Edward she has farmed in the foothills of North Carolina since 2011. Crystal also has a strong background in marketing, public relations, start-ups, social media, web presence, events, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, she has a long history in education, project management, and working overseas. Crystal researches best nonprofit practices, advises in institutional viability, mentors in nonprofit leadership, advocates for agricultural reskilling, and pilots mountain farm product lines. She also works to find secure markets for mountain farm products. |
EDGE is a federally recognized nonprofit, 501 (c) (3).
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