Regional Commission Hires Director for Roanoke Valley Collective Response
Roanoke, VA (February 14, 2023)- The Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission named Robert Natt as the new Director of the Roanoke Valley Collective Response, providing key leadership in our region’s response to the addiction and mental health crisis.
Natt has been involved with the Collective Response since its inception in 2018, serving as a founding member of the Steering Committee and current member of the Collective Advisory Committee. He has previously served as a Marketing Consultant for Carilion Clinic, a Partnership and Business Development Director for the Vinod Chachra IMPACT Lab at Radford University, as well as President of his own firm, Robert Natt Productions. Natt additionally serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Partnership for Community Wellness (formerly the Prevention Council of Roanoke).
Natt holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Commercial Media and Communication from James Madison University, a Master of Science degree in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Certificate in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
“It is an honor to serve our region in such a meaningful capacity,” said Natt. “I look forward to continued collaboration with stakeholders to build community, enhance services, and offer hope to those who need it most.
“Robert’s deep history with the program up to this point, plus his vision for its growth to provide services and coordination across our entire service area, will be critical in positioning the Collective Response to access the resources necessary to assist our member localities in addressing issues of addiction and recovery,” said Jeremy Holmes, Executive Director of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission. “The role of the Collective Response as a convener and coordinator of the regional response to the addiction crisis has never been more important.”
Lee Clark, CEO of the Rescue Mission and Co-chair of the Collective Advisory Committee said, “Robert’s understanding of complex community issues and collaborative leadership style are a perfect fit for what this role demands. His vision for the future and focus on the present show that he is committed to addressing the immediate challenges of today while working with other regional organizations to build a brighter future for tomorrow.”
Phil North, Board of Supervisors member for Roanoke County and Chair of the Regional Commission added, “We’re excited to see Robert take this important role on the Commission’s leadership team, and the breadth of skills and experience he brings to help the organization support its membership outside of his work with the Collective Response.”
Natt plans to focus his first several months on the job in partnering with localities and organizations to increase collaboration, and pursue funding opportunities through the Opioid Abatement Authority. Natt’s first day with the Commission will be February 16th, 2023.
