The Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing Appoints Center of Excellence Director

Abingdon, VA – The Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing announced today that Stephanie Surrett has been selected as the Director for the Southwest Virginia Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence.  Stephanie Surrett comes with 20 years of experience in strategic planning, program and project management, employee development and organizational leadership. In addition to working in the private sector, Ms. Surrett has gained experience in the non-profit sector by developing and implementing programs focused on workforce and community development.

Kevin Mumpower, Chair of the SVAM Center of Excellence Board, said “During the interview and selection process, we had one candidate that clearly displayed most of the key attributes we were looking for in an Executive Director; high energy, professionalism, training experience, strong regional relationships, a vision, commitment and strong passion toward the Center of Excellence project, and it was Stephanie.”

As the Director, Ms. Surrett will provide leadership in promoting and maintaining the SVAM CoE as a recognizable and highly valuable component in southwest Virginia’s economic and workforce development initiatives. With the largest area to cover of the three Centers established, the Southwest Virginia Center of Excellence will cover the 17-jurisdiction footprint of the Virginia Tobacco Commission. Stephanie will be tasked with fulfilling the Center’s goal of being a truly regional effort. Ms. Surrett said the new center represents the “next generation of collaboration” in Southwest Virginia, linking the state’s public institutions of higher education with manufacturing companies, community members, civic organizations, and charitable foundations in support of workforce and economic development. “The spirit of collaboration and commitment out of which this center has grown will continue to fuel its success with a close alignment between workforce development and regional economic needs,” Surrett said.

About The Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing, Inc. (SVAM)

SVAM is a non-profit organization focused on establishing and promoting regional collaboration in support of manufacturing and its careers as part of an educational and economic development initiative. More information about the organization’s goals, membership, and past events can be found at www.swvam.org.

Contact
Stephanie Muncy Surrett, Director
SVAM-CoE
Southwest Virginia Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence
851 French Moore Jr. Blvd, Suite 110
Abingdon, VA  24210