The Foundation for the Advancement of Southern and Southwest Virginia has selected Deb Gosney to serve as its first executive director.
“This foundation has an important role to play in the future of Southern and Southwest Virginia, and we knew that finding a well-qualified Executive Director to lead our work was critical to getting off to a good start,” said FASS-VA Chairman Jeff Haley. “This foundation exists to support the great work already being done by the Tobacco Commission and their partners. Deb’s wealth of experience working with the same communities and organizations means she is ready to hit the ground running. I encourage anyone with an idea that could help build an even brighter future for our counties, cities, and towns to reach out to Deb to see how FASS-VA might be able to help.”
“I am deeply honored and excited to begin this new chapter as Executive Director of FASS-VA. After 38 years of dedicated service as Executive Director of Southside PDC, I carry with me a profound appreciation for the power of collaboration, community partnerships, and mission-driven leadership,” said FASS-VA Executive Director Deb Gosney. “My career has been rooted in helping communities identify opportunities, strengthen local capacity, and improve the quality of life for the people we serve. I look forward to bringing that same commitment, experience, and passion to FASS-VA as we continue advancing its important work across the Tobacco Region footprint. I am grateful for the relationships built over nearly four decades at Southside PDC and look forward to building new partnerships that support FASS-VA’s mission and the communities it serves.”
“I’d like to congratulate FASS-VA on their selection of an excellent candidate to serve as their first Executive Director,” said TRRC Chairman Del. Will Morefield. “Economic development, especially in the rural regions of the Commonwealth the Commission covers, requires a team effort, and Deb has a long track record of successful leadership and partnership in that area. I wish Deb and FASS-VA the best as they get to work assisting our localities and look forward to a long and successful partnership between FASS-VA and the Commission.”
“Deb is an excellent choice to lead FASS-VA, and I look forward to working with her as our two organizations move forward together to strengthen our Southern and Southwest Virginia communities,” said TRRC Executive Director David Manley. “While the Foundation is just getting started, I believe that in the years to come it will be a real asset to the region and serve as a catalyst for the great work already being done by our partners across the footprint.”
Deborah Gosney brings nearly four decades of experience in regional community and economic development to her role as Executive Director of the Foundation for the Advancement of Southern and Southwest Virginia. Before joining FASS‑VA, she served as Executive Director of the Southside Planning District Commission, where she led organizational operations, budgeting, and staff development while advancing strategic initiatives across Southern Virginia.
Throughout her career, Deborah has cultivated strong partnerships with local governments, Planning District Commissions, and state and federal agencies. Her expertise in grant strategy and project development has resulted in numerous successful awards supporting infrastructure, business growth, and community revitalization.
A native of Mecklenburg County, Deborah understands the challenges of rural communities and is deeply committed to strengthening the Tobacco region’s capacity to compete for external funding and to fostering collaboration that drives long‑term impact. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Finance from Elon College.
