Board & Staff
Virginia's Heartland Alliance Board
Virginia’s Heartland Alliance (VaHA) is guided by a diverse Board of Directors representing business, education, healthcare, local government, and regional organizations across Southern and Central Virginia. As part of a regional economic development partnership, the Board provides strategic leadership, strengthens collaboration, and supports initiatives that drive economic growth in rural Virginia and expand opportunity across the region.
- Stephen Bowen, Nottoway County, Chair
- Doug Stanley, Prince Edward County, Vice Chair
- Tracy Gee, Lunenburg County, Secretary
- Dexter Gilliam, Bank of Charlotte County, Treasurer
- Dr. Thomas Angelo, Centra Health
- Karl Carter, Buckingham County
- Greg Coltrain, River Street
- Faustine Dye, Accounting and Tax Solutions Experts, LLC
- Shannon Feinman, Southside Virginia Community College
- Landon Green, Charlotte County
- Dr. Chip Jones, Prince Edward County Public Schools
- Lori LaPradd, Southside Electric Cooperative
- Jason Loehr, Southside Electric Cooperative
- Andrew Lonadier, Planet Networks
- Sheri McGuire, Longwood SBDC
- Lee Minix, Benchmark Community Bank
- Wendy Newton, Commonwealth Regional Council
- Raj Patel, CRD Management
- Taylor Quicke, Citizens Bank & Trust
- Brenda Richards, Centra Health
- Derek Stamey, Cumberland County
- Robert Taylor, River Street
- TBD, Cumberland County
- Alexandra Veatch, Letterpress Communications
- Gregg Zody, Nottoway County
Board & Executive Committee Meeting Schedule
Virginia’s Heartland Alliance’s Board of Directors meets quarterly at 10:00 a.m. at various locations throughout the region. Because meeting locations vary, please contact VaHA staff for the location of an upcoming Board meeting.
In the months when the full Board does not meet, the VaHA Executive Committee meets at 2:30 p.m. at the SEED Innovation Hub in Farmville.
Regular Meeting Schedule
Board of Directors
- Fourth (4th) Thursday of February, May, and August at 10:00 a.m.
- The November Board meeting date varies each year because the fourth Thursday falls on Thanksgiving. Please contact VaHA staff for the scheduled meeting date.
Executive Committee
- Third Wednesday of January, March, April, June, July, September, October, and December at 2:30 p.m.
VaHA Staff
VaHA staff work to advance the organization’s mission through collaboration, coordination, and day-to-day leadership, supporting partners and initiatives across the region.
Alex McCoy, Executive Director
Alex McCoy joined Virginia’s Heartland Alliance in April 2025, bringing more than two decades of experience in community and economic development. Since 2003, Alex has worked with communities across Georgia, Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Ohio — helping to advance regional growth, strengthen partnerships, and support long-term economic opportunity.
He is an active member of the Virginia Economic Developers Association and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), reflecting his continued engagement in the field of economic development.
Recognitions
Alex’s work has been recognized at both the state and national levels, including being named the Florida Economic Development Council’s 2012 Young Professional of the Year and a 2017 40-Under-40 Rising Star in Economic Development by Development Counsellors International.
Educations & Certifications
Alex holds both a B.B.A. and M.B.A. from Mercer University and is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute. His professional certifications include:
- Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) — IEDC
- Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) — National Development Council (now Grow America)
- Institute for Organization Management (IOM) — U.S. Chamber Foundation
Just for Fun
Outside of work Alex enjoys college football, golf, cooking barbecue, and spending time with family and friends.