For Immediate Release
Contact: Jeremy Holmes, Executive Director, 540-343-4417 jholmes@rvarc.org
Regional Commission and Greenway Commission extend offer to longtime city and trails planner from Carbondale, IL
ROANOKE, VA — March 24, 2026 — The Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission and the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission (RVARC) are pleased to announce that Molly Maxwell, AICP, has accepted the position of Planner III: Recreation and Roanoke Valley Greenway Coordinator. Maxwell joins RVARC after serving as a city and trails planner with the City of Carbondale, Illinois.
Maxwell’s hire will help the region continue building momentum on greenway connectivity, planning, and project development.
“Molly brings the valuable mix of planning experience and on-the-ground trail project work we need as we move into the next phase of the Roanoke Valley Greenway network,” said Barry Trent, Chair of the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission. “Her experience securing funding and coordinating multi-jurisdictional trail efforts will be an asset as we work with our localities on priorities like the Greenway 10-Year Plan update and an upcoming economic impact study that will help quantify the value of our greenway investments.”
Maxwell is a planner with nine years of experience in community planning, active transportation, and trail infrastructure. In Carbondale, she worked for the City for more than six years on general planning and land development, along with active transportation initiatives. In her application materials, she notes securing more than $6 million for greenways, trails, and other active transportation projects. Her resume also highlights her work coordinating active transportation efforts and trail/greenway projects, including the Saluki Greenway.
“Molly’s background in active transportation, trail systems, and community planning will strengthen our ability to support the recreation planning work we’re building across the region,” said Jeremy Holmes, Executive Director of RVARC. “As Planner III, she’ll coordinate greenway priorities while also helping RVARC assist member localities—from Franklin County to the Alleghany Highlands—with recreation planning and related projects tied to community development, tourism, and outdoor economy opportunities.”
Maxwell first discovered the transformative effects of outdoor recreation while participating in an outdoor leadership program after college, and that passion has continued throughout her career. In her free time, she enjoys biking and hiking with her husky, Allie. Maxwell is eager to join the Roanoke community and get to work on the greenways and recreation amenities of the Roanoke Valley. Her first day with RVARC is April 7, 2026.
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The Regional Commission is a leader in driving collaboration and strategy within our communities on issues that are critical to the economic growth, quality of life, and sustainability of this region.
The RVARC, one of 21 planning agencies in the Commonwealth, has served member governments, businesses and residents since 1969. Member governments include the counties of Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig, Franklin and Roanoke, cities of Covington, Roanoke and Salem, and towns of Clifton Forge, Rocky Mount and Vinton.
