Allison Homer, a Virginia Tech alum with a master’s degree in urban and regional planning, has been appointed an economic development specialist in the Office of Economic Development.

She previously worked in the Office of International Research, Education, and Development, where she conducted country development strategy analyses. Both offices are part of Outreach and International Affairs.

Her experience includes working on revitalization projects for the town of Gretna with the Danville Regional Foundation, carrying out assessment and planning for the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, and conducting skills gap and public utility analyses for Buchanan, Virginia.

Director John Provo said, “Allison brings a drive and energy to her work as well as extensive preparation for community engagement.”

Homer's work in Gretna helped the town acquire a $10,000 Make It Happen grant from the Danville foundation.

Homer has also been involved in project management as a graduate assistant for Virginia Tech’s Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies, community and cultural preservation research in Wales, and international development research in Morocco and India.

Other areas of expertise include sustainable development and economic development that takes into consideration the needs of low-income and minority communities. Her thesis focused on creation of an environmental justice assessment framework for the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission’s long range transportation plan.

She is currently completing the global master of natural resources as a second degree and a graduate certificate in global sustainability at the Virginia Tech Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability in the College of Natural Resources and Environment. Homer holds a bachelor's degree from Wake Forest University.

Written by Erica Corder

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