People and Contact
Amelia Bandy (EDGE co-founder) (she/her/her)
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 seven 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 seven 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 (she/her/her)
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. Lenahan has also been developing her expertise in woodland harvest and in maple and tree syrup production,
Development Associate (she/her/her)
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. Lenahan has also been developing her expertise in woodland harvest and in maple and tree syrup production,
EDGE Board Members (Voting)
EDGE is currently seeking to expand its board. If you would like to join the board, get in touch with EDGE Executive Director Amelia Bandy or EDGE Board member Atlas Charles.
Board Job Description
EDGE Overview
Economic Development Greater East (EDGE) (nonprofit, 501 c3) curates and cultivates the greater East’s economic edge. Its principal focus is on land-based industries such as agriculture, mountain farming, woodland harvest, and accompanying economic sectors. It also engages in workforce development, apiary establishment, community-based asset research, and economic sector development and pilots.
Whole Board “Job”
As the highest leadership body of the organization and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the board is responsible for:
Each individual board member is expected to:
Board Job Description
EDGE Overview
Economic Development Greater East (EDGE) (nonprofit, 501 c3) curates and cultivates the greater East’s economic edge. Its principal focus is on land-based industries such as agriculture, mountain farming, woodland harvest, and accompanying economic sectors. It also engages in workforce development, apiary establishment, community-based asset research, and economic sector development and pilots.
Whole Board “Job”
As the highest leadership body of the organization and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the board is responsible for:
- strategic and organizational planning
- ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management
- fundraising and resource development
- approving and monitoring the organization’s programs and services
- enhancing the organization’s public image
- assessing its own performance as the governing body of the organization
- follow the organization’s bylaws, policies, and board resolutions
- maintaining confidentiality about all internal matters of the organization
Each individual board member is expected to:
- know the organization’s mission, policies, programs, and needs
- faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements
- serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization and fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for the organization to advance its mission
- leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to fully achieve the organization’s mission
- steward a meaningful financial donation--this can be achieved by accompanying EDGE staff on an “ask” to a major funder, participating in grant writing, securing a meaningful donation from another source, securing needed physical goods and materials through donation, securing a major marketing or public relations opportunity
- help identify personal connections that can benefit the organization’s fundraising and reputational standing, and can influence public policy
- prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings. Attendance can be live or per video or phone.
- participate fully in one or more committees as these develop
- Visit an EDGE site once per year while tenured as a board member. This is not required to be a board meeting.
Atlas Charles. (they/them/their)
Atlas Charles is a Program Manager at Rural Support Partners and the Network Manager for the Central Appalachian Network. In their work with the Central Appalachian Network, they employ systems leadership and participatory development practices to move forward the Network in growing a sustainable, supportive ecosystem that accelerates community economic development (CED) and that centers equity and inclusion in Central Appalachia. Atlas’s current work is informed by more than ten years of leadership in rural community economic development that spans experiences in multiple rural regions and multiple fields, including non-profit, education, entrepreneurship, and social equity work. Atlas possesses significant educational and research backgrounds in socioeconomic impacts in education, rural trans/queer studies, local food systems, and rural community economic development that bolsters their professional experiences. Moreover, Atlas blends diverse life experiences with their professional experiences to provide unique thought-partnerships and consulting in sustainable CED work and intersectional equity work.
Atlas’s deep commitment to the work of collectively cultivating equity and sustainability comes from their lived experiences in the mountains of Southwestern Virginia.
Atlas grew up a poor kid in a coal mining family in a small Central Appalachian town, which, like many other Appalachian towns, faced many public health crises. Issues such as unclean drinking water, an overdose epidemic, diseases of despair, and domestic violence are prominent parts of Atlas’ story. Additionally, as a queer, trans, and autistic human, Atlas faced intersectional issues that affected their physical, mental, and social health. Atlas’ story, however, is one of triumph and healing. Despite the ways in which Atlas needed to mask their true self, they now live unapologetically and joyful themself– Appalachian to the core, queer as hell, and committed to creating futures where kids like them live joyful, authentic, full lives. Atlas still lives, with their dog, in Central Appalachia where their work helps advance a new transition that places well-being, equity, and climate resilience at the center of Appalachia’s future.
Connect with Atlas: LinkedIn link
Email: atlas@ruralsupportpartners.com
Atlas Charles is a Program Manager at Rural Support Partners and the Network Manager for the Central Appalachian Network. In their work with the Central Appalachian Network, they employ systems leadership and participatory development practices to move forward the Network in growing a sustainable, supportive ecosystem that accelerates community economic development (CED) and that centers equity and inclusion in Central Appalachia. Atlas’s current work is informed by more than ten years of leadership in rural community economic development that spans experiences in multiple rural regions and multiple fields, including non-profit, education, entrepreneurship, and social equity work. Atlas possesses significant educational and research backgrounds in socioeconomic impacts in education, rural trans/queer studies, local food systems, and rural community economic development that bolsters their professional experiences. Moreover, Atlas blends diverse life experiences with their professional experiences to provide unique thought-partnerships and consulting in sustainable CED work and intersectional equity work.
Atlas’s deep commitment to the work of collectively cultivating equity and sustainability comes from their lived experiences in the mountains of Southwestern Virginia.
Atlas grew up a poor kid in a coal mining family in a small Central Appalachian town, which, like many other Appalachian towns, faced many public health crises. Issues such as unclean drinking water, an overdose epidemic, diseases of despair, and domestic violence are prominent parts of Atlas’ story. Additionally, as a queer, trans, and autistic human, Atlas faced intersectional issues that affected their physical, mental, and social health. Atlas’ story, however, is one of triumph and healing. Despite the ways in which Atlas needed to mask their true self, they now live unapologetically and joyful themself– Appalachian to the core, queer as hell, and committed to creating futures where kids like them live joyful, authentic, full lives. Atlas still lives, with their dog, in Central Appalachia where their work helps advance a new transition that places well-being, equity, and climate resilience at the center of Appalachia’s future.
Connect with Atlas: LinkedIn link
Email: atlas@ruralsupportpartners.com
Terri H. Philpott. (she/her/her) 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/
Rebecca Jennings. (she/her/her) 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, Sr. (EDGE co-founder) (he/him/his)
Originally from the Pocahontas Coalfield, US Army veteran Jason Tartt. Sr. operates T&T Organics, LLC in McDowell County, WV. He has been farming for 13 years. Tartt 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. Tartt 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. Tartt also works to find secure markets for mountain farm products. Tartt is also on the Community Advisory Council for the Invest Appalachia Fund. |
Crystal Cook Marshall (EDGE co-founder) (pictured left) (she/her/her) 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. Cook Marshall also has a strong background in research, social 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. Cook Marshall 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. Cook Marshall is currently Agromedicine Faculty for HBCU North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University, where she designs and coordinates research, messaging, media, programming & partnerships, for farmer, farmworker, logger, and fisher health, and, advocates for minority & small farms/farmers. |
