The West Piedmont Planning District Commission (WPPDC) is pleased to welcome Jennifer Denton and Paul Jadrnicek to its team. Both will serve as Community Development Specialists, where they will provide grant writing, grant administration, and technical assistance services to municipalities and non-profit organizations within the planning district.
Jennifer joins WPPDC from Virginia Tech, where she worked as a Fiscal Assistant in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from Radford University and an Associate of Applied Science from Patrick and Henry Community College.
One of Jennifer’s favorite projects was working with the Alliance to Advance Climate Smart Agriculture at Virginia Tech. She supported the fiscal team in issuing payments to program producers and ensured accurate reporting to the USDA and VT departments. This experience highlighted how effective project management and strong internal systems bolster community work. Jennifer enjoyed contributing to a project that promoted sustainable agriculture, strengthened producer relationships, and ensured resource accountability, emphasizing the importance of behind-the-scenes efforts in community development.
“I’m really looking forward to contributing to impactful, community-driven projects that will directly improve the quality of living in this area for residents in the WPPDC region,” stated Denton. “I’m especially excited about working across different localities to help identify needs, secure funding, and implement solutions. The opportunity to collaborate with local governments, nonprofits, and residents to build stronger, more resilient communities really motivates me, and I’m eager to bring both creativity and strategic thinking to that work.”
Paul Jadrnicek joins the West Piedmont Planning District Commission (WPPDC) from the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia, where he worked as the Grants Manager. Before transitioning to the nonprofit and public service sector, he had a career in education. Jadrnicek graduated from Asbury University with a degree in English.
He emphasizes that his most significant accomplishments are often the small victories—whether it’s a strategic conversation that redirects a project or an effective project plan that ensures everyone is aligned. These moments are what keep him motivated.
“I am most excited about the opportunity to serve and collaborate with WPPDC’s many partners on the frontlines of building a bright future for the West Piedmont region,” stated Jadrnicek.
“We are excited to welcome Jennifer and Paul to our team,” stated Kristie Eberly, WPPDC Executive Director. “Their direct experience in the grant world will be instrumental in empowering our partners and advancing numerous projects that make a meaningful impact on our communities.”
The West Piedmont Planning District is a regional planning organization serving the counties of Franklin, Henry, Patrick, and Pittsylvania; the cities of Danville and Martinsville; and the Town of Rocky Mount. The WPPDC seeks to carry out its mission by facilitating regional thinking and dialogue among the district’s local government, K-12 and higher educational institutions, economic development organizations, workforce development, and other key stakeholders. Learn more at westpiedmontpdc.org