'Great communities don't happen by accident:' Vinton names Economic Development Specialist

VINTON, Va. (WSET) — The Town of Vinton has announced a new Economic Development Specialist.

On Monday, they announced the selection of Marshall Stanley for the role. The selection is the culmination of a comprehensive search to fill the new position that will assist with the Town’s economic development efforts, officials said.

In his position, Stanley will work closely with the business community to bolster economic growth, assist in technical small business development, and provide external communication on various services and projects of the Town.

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"Vinton has gained exceptional momentum in the past few years and has produced impressive outcomes through strategic public initiatives and private sector investment," said Stanley. "I am excited to be a part of the energetic team that is leading the charge in creating new opportunities for businesses and a high quality of life for current and future residents."

Prior to coming to the Town, Stanley most recently served as the Economic Development Specialist in Roanoke County. In his two years with Roanoke County, he delivered various forms of small business development assistance, led marketing and engagement campaigns that increased business visibility, nurtured partnerships between public and private stakeholders, and found creative solutions to assist the business community across industries, sizes, and needs.

Before coming to Roanoke County, Stanley worked as an Administrative Associate with the City of Lynchburg’s Office of Economic Development & Tourism as well as a Program Liaison for the Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Board.

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“The Town was very pleased to have attracted the likes of Mr. Stanley, who competed against an impressive pool of candidates with interest in the position. Mr. Stanley emerged as the top candidate after a thorough interview process that involved key members of the Town’s Administration and Leadership Team,” stated Town Manager Pete Peters. “Marshall’s understanding of small businesses development initiatives, his experience with managing well-rounded communications strategies and his passion for public service were key factors in him being selected, and we are very excited to have him join our team.”

In addition to his local government experience, Stanley is a graduate of Leadership Roanoke Valley and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Basic Economic Development Course. He also has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Lynchburg, where he served in the Office of Community Involvement.

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Stanley will also seek further education in local government and economic development upon beginning with the Town.

"Great communities don’t happen by accident," said Stanley. "I take great pride in public service and working with local business owners, residents, and municipal staff to continually improve the conditions of my locality."

Stanley will begin his role as the Economic Development Specialist on November 14.