March brings new beginnings, the arrival of spring, and the promise of warmer weather. This month is also a time of celebration as International Women’s Day is observed on March 8.
In Danville, women play a vital role in leading change in our community. From manufacturing to education to economic development, women strive to make Danville a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Here’s a closer look at some of the women shaping the future of Danville.
Nancy Frank, Plant Manager of Tyson Foods, oversees operations at the company’s state-of-the-art, 325,000-square-foot facility in the Cane Creek Centre. Under her leadership, the plant produces 4 million pounds of fully cooked Tyson products each week that is distributed throughout the state of Virginia.
Corrie Bobe serves the region as the Director of the Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism. Here, she leads her team to strengthen the economic foundation of Danville and enhance the quality of life. Bobe’s passion for her community and exceptional team leadership inspire others locally and regionally. “I am fortunate to work for a vibrant community, where each business, no matter the size, has the potential to make meaningful impacts on people’s lives,” says Bobe.
As Tourism Manager for the Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism, Lisa Meriwether works to promote the abundant attractions and unique delights in Danville and Pittsylvania County. Through regional tourism brand, Visit SoSi, launched in May of 2023, Meriwether connects with partners across the state to establish our region as an ideal destination for sports competitions, conferences, meetings, visitors, and more.
Angela Hairston, Superintendent of Danville Public Schools, brings decades of experience and passion for education to her role. Hairston fosters an environment where every student is engaged and empowered. Her commitment to hard work and empathy encourages those she serves.
As CEO of the River District Association, Diana Schwartz designs and implements new programming to engage and support businesses throughout downtown Danville. This revitalization strengthens community pride and fosters a vibrant space for business owners to flourish and visitors and residents to enjoy. Schwartz reflects, “It has been an incredible journey to watch the growth of our downtown over the past decade, particularly the number of locally owned businesses that have opened and expanded. It is thanks to their investment of time, talent, and treasure that our community is thriving, and our quality of life and quality of place are continuously on an upward path. It is an honor and a pleasure to work with all of them each and every day.”
Anne Moore-Sparks leads the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce as President and CEO. Sparks’ background in community engagement and economic development are incorporated each and every day as she works with over 600 members and collaborates with regional and state partners to establish programming and events for businesses throughout Southern Virginia.
As Executive Director of the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, Linda Green works to recruit and expand new businesses and companies throughout Danville, Pittsylvania County, and the surrounding region Her efforts in working with regional localities have created more than 8,000 jobs and generated more than $3.2 billion in capital investment.
This March, we celebrate the history and achievements of all of the remarkable women who call Danville home. From the arts and education to manufacturing and leadership, their contributions shape our community in meaningful ways. Supporting the businesses and organizations they lead is a simple yet powerful way to strengthen their impact—not just this month, but every day.