28 Jul Press Release: Virginia Business honors Kim Davis for advancing Southwest Virginia’s creative and cultural economy.
CONTACT:
Ryan Vaughan
Marketing Manager
Friends of Southwest Virginia
marketing@myswva.org
Friends of Southwest Virginia Executive Director
Named 2025 Women in Leadership Honoree by Virginia Business
ABINGDON, Va. (Monday, July 28, 2025) – Virginia Business has named Kim Davis, Executive Director of Friends of Southwest Virginia, ‘Round the Mountain Artisan Network, and the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation (a division of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development), as one of its 2025 Women in Leadership Awards recipients.
This statewide recognition honors top women executives who have demonstrated exceptional professional achievement, civic engagement, mentorship, and a commitment to breaking barriers in their fields. Honorees are selected by the Virginia Business editorial leadership team and represent impactful leaders across the Commonwealth.
Kim was recognized for her contributions in promoting Southwest Virginia’s creative economy, tourism, and outdoor recreation sectors. Her work has continued to elevate the region’s visibility, strengthen local economies, and create new opportunities for artisans, entrepreneurs, and communities across 19 counties and four cities.
“I’m deeply honored by this recognition, but it truly reflects the remarkable people and communities I have the privilege to serve in Southwest Virginia,” said Davis. “I believe in the strength of rural places and am grateful to work alongside so many dedicated partners who are shaping a future grounded in cultural heritage, our natural assets, and shared resilience. This recognition belongs to all of us who are committed to advancing this region.”
“The 2025 Women in Leadership honorees are exemplary executives who are making significant contributions to their organizations and communities as trailblazing mentors who are encouraging future generations of professional women to pursue their own paths and ambitions,” said Richard Foster, associate publisher of Virginia Business. “We at Virginia Business are pleased to recognize these transformational leaders.”
Davis and fellow honorees will be celebrated at an awards dinner on October 6, 2025, at The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. The event will begin with networking and registration at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards ceremony at 6:15 p.m. Honorees will also be featured in the October issue of Virginia Business magazine and online at www.VirginiaBusiness.com
About Kim Davis
Kim Davis is the Executive Director of Friends of Southwest Virginia, the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation (a division within Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development,) and the ‘Round the Mountain Artisan Network. With more than 20 years of leadership in destination marketing, nonprofit management, and regional economic development, Kim has been instrumental in positioning Southwest Virginia as a nationally recognized model for cultural and outdoor tourism.Kim leads regional initiatives that celebrate Southwest Virginia’s rich heritage and natural beauty while supporting job creation and economic growth. She holds a B.S. in Communications from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and an MBA from Louisiana State University in Shreveport.
About Virginia Business
Virginia Business is the Commonwealth’s premier source for business news, covering economic activity across all sectors and regions. Through its publications, events, and digital platforms, Virginia Business recognizes excellence, sparks dialogue, and supports professional growth throughout Virginia’s business community.
About Friends of Southwest Virginia
Southwest Virginia includes 19 counties and four independent cities located near the southern and western border of Virginia. The Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission, established in 2008 by the Virginia General Assembly, takes the lead in developing a creative economy in Southwest Virginia. In 2011, the Commission became the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation, a self-sustaining community development organization with support from the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through a supporting non-profit, the Friends of Southwest Virginia, businesses, and individuals help artists, crafts people, localities, nonprofits and entrepreneurs mobilize and succeed. To learn more visit https://friendsofswva.org/.