Hello!
Let me tell you about my work
My Skills & Experience
About Stephanie Roark Keener
A Summary of My Work
As the Director at the Small Business Development Center - Lynchburg Region, I have the privilege of working throughout the Lynchburg region with organizations and entrepreneurs. I came to the Small Business Development Center from Lynchburg’s Virginia Main Street Program where I developed and directed marketing and events for Downtown Lynchburg, including the James River Batteau Festival, Friday Cheers and Get! Downtown. Prior to that, I worked at the Blowing Rock, North Carolina, Chamber of Commerce as the membership and communications coordinator and the Director for Art in the Park. While the founding Director of the Stephenson Center for Appalachian Studies and the New Opportunity School for Women at Lees-McRae College, I served on the steering committee for the Appalachian Studies Association. I hold a Master’s degree in Appalachian Studies and have special expertise in heritage asset development, rural development, and transitional economies.
​
Read this profile from the Lynchburg News & Advance.
For more information about my work, keep scrolling. Want to know more about me? Try this link.
My Roles & Responsibilities
Professional History
Executive Director
Small Business Development Center - LynchBurg Region
The Virginia Small Business Development Center - Lynchburg Region provides counseling, training, and resources for small and micro businesses, non-profits, and entrepreneurs in Campbell, Bedford, Amherst, and Appomattox Counties and the City of Lynchburg. I develop entrepreneurship & small business programs, marketing, social media classes, conduct marketing and funding research, and consult with businesses. I maintain a working relationship with area economic development agencies and stakeholders, including the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, Offices of Economic Development, Chambers of Commerce, and officials for each of the areas served.
Director of Events & Communications
Lynch's Landing (now called DLA).
Lynch's Landing, now called the Downtown Lynchburg Association, is Lynchburg's Main Street organization. I developed advertising, web, and communication pieces for Downtown Lynchburg, including the booklet Downtown Lynchburg in the Civil War. During this period, Lynch's Landing developed and strengthened it's relationships with area stakeholders, in addition to refreshing the brand identity and focus on economic development and historic preservation. Primary management responsibility for Get!Downtown, Launch of the James River Batteau Festival, Friday Cheers, and other events fell to me.
Director,Events, Membership & Communications
Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce
The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce is the leading business organization for the mountain resort town of Blowing Rock, NC. The Chamber produces many tourism related events including Art in the Park, a 60 year old art show, Symphony by the Lake, and the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival, in addition to working for appropriate economic development and support of members. Co-maintained the Blowing Rock Visitor Center with the Tourism Development Authority.
Director,New Opportunity School for Women & the Stephenson Center for APPALACHIAN sTUDIES
lEES-mCrAE cOLLEGE
The John B. Stephenson Center for Appalachian and Comparative Highland Studies was founded in July 2001 in order to further understanding of Appalachia. Our main purpose is to encourage students and faculty to experience and study the rich culture and history of our mountains.The New Opportunity School for Women is a free, residential, instructional program designed to provide low-income Appalachian women with opportunities and tools for professional and personal advancement.
What I Do
skills
What I’ve Learned
Educational Experience
M.A. Appalachian Studies
Appalachian state University
My interdisciplinary degree focuses on the Appalachian region as a distinct economic and cultural region in the United States. Course work included history, political science, folklore, and sustainable development.
B.a. History
b.a. political science
University of Kentucky
Undergraduate course work focused on the history and politics of the American Experience. Special course work on The Civil War, Appalachia, African American Studies, and the American South.
CONTACT ME
This site is always under construction. Please check back for updates. Many of the photos are my own. I've tried to note when I used someone else's photography.