Roanoke - Our Team

About Roanoke

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Our Team

The City of Roanoke's Department of Economic Development is staffed with some of the most qualified experts in the industry. Whether you are a new business in the City or expanding an existing business, or need assistance with ribbon cuttings or property searches, our experts are trained to assist you in any way possible. Please scroll below to learn more about our outstanding team!

	Wayne Bowers Director of Economic Development (540) 853-5831 Wayne.Bowers@roanokeva.gov B iography	Responsible for the management and direction of all Economic Development Department activities. Coordinates economic development activities with other City departments. Promotes development and economic expansion through relationships between the City and the business community. Serves as liaison with regional, state and federal economic development agencies and with area colleges and universities. Advises city management and elected officials on the economic status of the City.


	Robert Ledger Economic Development Manager (540) 853-1698 Robert.Ledger@roanokeva.gov Biography	Develops and oversees Economic Development Specialist activities related to business creation, retention, expansion and attraction. Works with staff to ensure all activities are completed in a timely, effective and efficiently manner ensuring excellent customer service and project management practices. Supports the department Director in reporting departmental activities and identifying new opportunities for economic development. Manages departmental activities such as staff recruitment and training, performance evaluations to ensure continuous improvement, and design and implementation of the department budget.


	Marc Nelson Special Projects Coordinator (540) 853-2717 Marc.Nelson@roanokeva.gov Biography	Manages development efforts on select public-private partnership projects. Works closely with City Management on numerous development-related issues, including development of contracts and performance agreements, construction and community relations. Manages performance agreements between the City, the City’s Economic Development Authority and various private entities. Serves as liaison to various entrepreneurial and technology-based entities, including Virginia Tech-Carilion and the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council. Serves as City Representative for RAMP - Regional Acceleration and Mentoring Program


	Lisa B. Soltis Economic Development Specialist (540) 853-1694 Lisa.Soltis@roanokeva.gov Biography	Responsible for business retention, expansion and development strategies, particularly focusing on the retail and service sectors. Coordinates marketing strategies to create awareness of the department through the monthly BizNews electronic distribution, via social and traditional media outlets. Works closely with local and State officials to organize classes for the business community covering pertinent subjects for business enhancement. Charged with two Career, Lifestyle and Financial Fitness Fairs annually.


	Cassandra (Sandra) Turner Economic Development Specialist (540) 853-6439 Cassandra.Turner@roanokeva.gov	Responsible for a broad range of property management matters including assistance in the marketing and disposition, facilitation/negotiation of the leasing and sale of city-owned properties and the administration of various leases, contracts and licenses. Performs property research and data gathering, maintains an available property database and performs website property searches in support of business attraction, expansion and retention efforts. Other duties include processing and documentation of various easements and encroachments in City right-of-way.


	Brandon S. Turner Economic Development Specialist (540) 853-5405 Brandon.Turner@roanokeva.gov Biography	Responsible for the administration of the City’s Enterprise Zone program, and coordinates with other local and State officials on incentive proposals. Acts as staff support to the City’s Economic Development Authority. Actively involved with business expansion and retention activities, focused primarily on the industrial and large office sectors. Coordinates business meetings and assistance between the local business community and various regional, state, and federal economic development organizations. Assists with development and maintenance of the Economic Development Department's website.


	Melissa C. Murray Administrative Assistant (540) 853-6068 Melissa.Murray@roanokeva.gov	Responsible for the administrative functions of the Department of Economic Development including receptionist duties, payment processing, monitoring of the budget and assistance to staff members. Assists with development and maintenance of the Economic Development Department's website. Assists with maintenance of the City of Roanoke Arts and Culture website. Recording Secretary for the Roanoke Arts Commission.

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