The West Piedmont Planning District Commission (WPPDC) Board of Commissioners has appointed Michael Armbrister to serve as the next Executive Director effective July 1, 2021. Mr. Armbrister follows Dave Hoback, who is retiring on June 30, 2021 following seven years of service to the West Piedmont region.
Mr. Armbrister joined the Planning District Commission in June 2020 and served as the Associate Director and Deputy Director. Prior to WPPDC, Mr. Armbrister spent over 11 years with Mount Rogers Planning District Commission as Economic Development Planner, Deputy Director, and Executive Director. He also has experience as Executive Director and Clinical Director at two of Virginia’s free and charitable clinics, Mel Leaman Free Clinic and Bradley Free Clinic. In addition, Mr. Armbrister served as an adjunct professor at Emory & Henry College between 2003 and 2018 teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses in Geographic Information Systems and non-profit leadership. He holds Bachelor’s degrees in Geography and Environmental Studies from Emory & Henry College and a Master of Science degree in Geography from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
“The West Piedmont region is full of opportunity. Folks working in the region to recruit business and industry, improve broadband access, create educational opportunities, and develop our communities have been extremely successful, even throughout the pandemic, and the West Piedmont PDC was a partner in that success,” Mr. Armbrister said. “We will continue to partner with our local governments and regional organizations to secure state and federal funding, strengthen our communities, and make the most of the opportunities available. I am honored and grateful to be appointed as the next Executive Director, and I am anxious to collaborate with our partners on new projects.”
The WPPDC Board of Commissioners started the process to find Mr. Hoback’s replacement in early 2020. Jim Adams, WPPDC Chair stated, “The Board followed a succession plan and put things in place to ensure a smooth transition. As a result, Mr. Armbrister was able to work with Mr. Hoback over the past year, and he received on-board training as roles transitioned. We believe we made a good selection and Mr. Armbrister is the right person to serve as West Piedmont PDC’s next Executive Director.”
At their meeting on May 27, 2021, the WPPDC Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Armbrister as the next Executive Director.