The West Piedmont Planning District Commission (WPPDC) is proud to announce the appointment of Kiana Dillard as its new Economic Development Specialist. With over 15 years of experience in community engagement, youth and workforce development, education, and entrepreneurship, Dillard brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to serving the region.
Dillard holds a bachelor’s degree in business and digital marketing and has previously served as the Work-Based Learning Coordinator at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville, Virginia. In this role, she led regional internship and workforce initiatives, collaborating with school districts, chambers of commerce, employers, and higher education institutions to expand opportunities for youth and job seekers across multiple localities.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kiana Dillard to the WPPDC team,” said the WPPDC’s Executive Director, Michael Armbrister. “Her passion for community-driven economic development, her hands-on experience, and her personal dedication to the people of this region make her a tremendous asset as we work to build a brighter future for Southern Virginia.”
Throughout her career, Dillard has focused on helping young people discover career paths, build professional skills, and connect their interests to real-world opportunities. She has hosted numerous workshops and classes on business, entrepreneurship, workforce readiness, and cosmetology, and has leveraged her expertise in graphic design and marketing to boost community participation in these programs. Her work has been supported by a range of local and federal grants, emphasizing data-driven programming and aligning local education and workforce goals with broader regional development strategies.
“I’m really excited to dive in and see all the great work that’s already been done across our region and to be part of what’s next for workforce and economic development in Southern Virginia,” said Dillard. “My goal is to help serve the needs of our communities by creating and supporting real solutions to the barriers people face when it comes to employment and opportunity. I’m passionate about helping ensure that our region continues to grow, with strong jobs, thriving wages, and a great quality of life.”
Dillard’s list of accomplishments includes founding the MHC Excellence Scholarship to support local students in STEM and business, winning the Ms. Full-Figured Virginia 2023 pageant, and facilitating over 180 internships for young people in Southern Virginia. Dillard says that her most significant and rewarding lifelong project has been being a mom to her two amazingly brilliant kids, who are full of personality and endless questions.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Dillard enjoys cooking, traveling, empowering young people through organizations like NSBE Jr. and MHC After 3, and expressing her creativity as a freelance makeup artist.