CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Virginia Tech graduate and founder of Valley Pike Partners Carrie Chenery has been appointed Virginia’s next Secretary of Commerce and Trade by Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger.

“The number-one job of the Governor of Virginia is to grow the Commonwealth’s economy and create good-paying jobs in every community. Maintaining a stable and predictable business environment is essential to attracting new investment and fostering the kinds of opportunities that allow Virginians to earn a good living, support their families, and have confidence in a secure retirement,” Spanberger said in a statement. “Throughout her career, Ms. Chenery has brought together private industry, workforce partners, and local government to achieve these exact goals. Her deep understanding of economic development aligns with my administration’s mission to make Virginia the top state in America for business.”

In 2018, Chenery founded Valley Pike Partners, an organization aimed at helping Virginia companies with public affairs, community engagement and business development using modern strategies.

Before that, she worked as the Executive Director of the Shenandoah Valley Partnership (SVP), the region’s economic development and marketing organization.

“As a native Virginian, I am honored and excited to serve Governor-elect Spanberger in this historic administration. I share in the Governor-elect’s clear vision to position Virginia as the nation’s best place to do business through a defining opportunity to lead affordability, housing, and energy progress,” Chenery said in a statement. “My statewide work in economic, community, and business development has given me a deep appreciation for the importance of realizing potential, building capacity, engaging diverse stakeholders, and delivering practical results. I look forward to leading the Commerce and Trade secretariat with a collaborative and business-friendly approach that supports Governor-elect Spanberger, our many partners, and every region of the Commonwealth.”