The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) proudly announces that Linda Hutson Green, IALR’s Vice President of Economic Development and Executive Director of the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, has been awarded the inaugural WE Lead Award from the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce. The award was announced during the Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet hosted at the IALR Conference Center.
The Chamber’s WE Lead program, which stands for Women Empowered, provides access to dynamic programs designed to develop leadership skills and build professional networks for women in business. This prestigious honor celebrates a transformative leader who has shown extraordinary dedication and service to Danville and Pittsylvania County.
“I am deeply honored to receive the inaugural WE Lead Award. This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of the IALR team and our many partners. I appreciate the chance to work with the localities and want to recognize the accomplishments of Matt Rowe, Corrie Bobe, the City of Danville, Pittsylvania County, and the entire Southern Virginia Region. Together, we have made tremendous strides in driving economic transformation, and I am excited about the future and potential for our region.” – Linda Hutson Green, SVRA Exeucitive
Green’s collaborative efforts with local economic development teams have led to the recruitment of 28 new companies to Southern Virginia and the expansion of 34 existing companies. These efforts have created more than 5,400 jobs and spurred just over $1.7 billion in capital investment across the region. Green currently serves as the 2024 President of the Virginia Economic Developers Association.
“The inaugural WE Lead (Women Empowered) Award was given to a female leader who is transforming our growing region. Green’s body of work and dedication to Danville and Pittsylvania County is unmatched and make her the perfect choice for this award.” – Anne Moore-Sparks, president and CEO of the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce
Green is an integral part of Southern Virginia, bringing a wealth of experience that spans federal, state, and local levels, both in the public and private sectors. Since October 2016, Green has served as IALR’s Vice President of Economic Development as well as the Executive Director of the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance. In these roles, she leverages the resources of IALR to assist local economic developers in marketing the Southern Virginia region, providing recruitment and retention of industries to create and sustain jobs and ensure the economic vitality of the region. Appointed to the Commonwealth Transportation Board by Governor Youngkin in 2023, Green also serves on the Averett University Board of Trustees. In July 2023, she received the Women in Leadership Award from Virginia Business Magazine.
Green’s distinguished career includes roles as District Director for U.S. Congressman Robert Hurt, Director for Federal Funding and Entrepreneurship for the Center for Innovative Technology, President and CEO of the Dan River Business Development Center, and Quality Engineer for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. A Certified Quality Engineer, Linda holds a master’s in business administration from Duke University and is a graduate of Averett University and Danville Community College.
