Executive Director
We are excited to announce Elaine Stroud as our new Executive Director.
“Having recently completed an extensive search, the Board of Directors is happy to welcome Elaine Stroud as the new Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Center of the New River Valley,” said Holly Litos, WRCNRV Board President. “We are confident in her knowledge, leadership, and commitment to the WRCNRV as we continue to serve our communities.”
Prior to joining the WRCNRV, Elaine started a nonprofit in New Jersey to help domestic violence and sexual violence survivors that has successfully grown over the past decade. In addition, Elaine has had a 23-year career as a leader in higher education at Rutgers University in New Jersey and most recently at Virginia Tech.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the WRCNRV team,” said Elaine. “The WRCNRV is an active member of the surrounding community and provides safety and shelter to those who need it. I am proud to lead an amazing team addressing this important issue that continues to need our attention as a community.”
Elaine will officially step into the role on March 18th, and you’ll be hearing directly from her in the coming weeks. As she transitions into the position, you can contact her at e.stroud@wrcnrv.org or by calling our office at 540-639-9592.
Thank you for your continued support of the WRCNRV and our mission. We are grateful to have you by our side as we begin this next chapter!
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Holy Litos, President
Special Education, Radford City Public Schools
JoAnne Miner, Treasurer & President Elect
Retired Attorney at Law
Jessica Taylor, Secretary
Assistant Professor of History, Virginia Tech
Lisa Hammett, Immediate Past President
Retired Arts Administrator, Community Volunteer
Jill Stewart, Fundraising Chair
Retired Professor, Radford University
Mary Atwell, Strategies Co-Chair
Retired Professor, Radford University
Jeanne Mekolichick, Strategies Co-Chair
Associate Provost of Research, Faculty Success & Strategic Initiatives, Radford University
Area Representatives
James Pritchett, Floyd Rep.
Executive Director, New River Valley Community Services
Leslie Sharp, Giles Rep.
Quality & Operations Senior Director, New River Valley Community Services
Susan Anderson, Montgomery Rep.
Virginia Tech Senior Instructor and Blacksburg Vice Mayor
Angela Joyner, Pulaski Rep.
VP for Economic Development & Corporate Education, Interim VP for Enrollment Management, Radford University
Tara Frank, Radford Rep.
Assistant Dean for Residential Case Management and Support, Virginia Tech
At-Large Directors
Mary Pettitt, At-Large Director
Commonwealth’s Attorney, Montgomery County
John Gray Williams, At-Large Director
Director of Recruitment, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Virginia Tech
Brent Williams, At-Large Director
Director, Office of Financial Responsibility & Waste Programs, DEQ
Jeff Dodson, At-Large Director
Professor of Criminal Justice, Virginia Western Community College
Juan Polanco, At-Large Director
Physician’s Assistant, Pulaski County
Bre Franklin, At-Large Director
Owner, funky momma LLC