VaHA
Virginia’s Heartland Alliance (VaHA) is a 501c3 not-for-profit, public / private partnership that works to strengthen the economic vitality, collaboration, and visibility of Central and Southern Virginia, the region known as Virginia’s Heartland, through unified leadership, authentic storytelling, and coordinated development initiatives.
Our Goals:
- Build, cultivate, & promote identity
- Develop partnerships & growth activities
- Leverage P3 resources & opportunities
- Convene & foster relationships
Mission
We connect people, partners, and opportunities to make Virginia’s Heartland a place where businesses grow, families thrive, and communities prosper.
Vision
A thriving, connected, and forward-moving Heartland — known for its authentic people, balanced growth, and collaborative spirit.
Investors
STAFF
Alex McCoy, Executive Director
Alex began with VaHA in April of 2025. Prior to, Alex began working in community and economic development in 2003 in Georgia. Through Alex’s career, he has represented communities in Georgia, Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
Currently, Alex is a member of the Virginia Economic Developers Association and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
For his past work, Alex has been recognized as both the inaugural Florida Economic Development Council’s 2012 Young Professional of the Year and named to Development Counsellors International, Inc.’s 2017 national 40 Under 40 Rising Stars in Economic Development.
Alex graduated from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, where he received both his B.B.A.s and M.B.A. Alex is also a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute and completed several industry specific certifications including: the IEDC Certified Economic Developer (CEcD); National Development Council’s Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP); and U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Institute for Organization Management (IOM).
Alex enjoys watching college football, playing golf, cooking barbeque on weekends, and spending time with his family and friends.
This work is being paid for in part by a grant from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission.
