Meet the RISE Collaborative Team
The RISE Collaborative Team is an open network of formal and informal leaders, united by a shared vision to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic vitality across our region. While the network welcomes the participation and contributions of all who share our mission, the individuals and organizations listed below hold official roles in the implementation of RISE goals for the 2024–2026 strategic period.
These partners bring focused expertise and commitment to advancing our key objectives, serving as the backbone of our efforts to create a thriving and inclusive ecosystem.
RISE Southern Virginia Service Area
The RISE Southern Virginia service area includes: Patrick County, Henry County, Martinsville, Danville, Pittsylvania County, Halifax County, Mecklenburg County, Brunswick County, Lunenburg County, Charlotte County, Nottoway County, Prince Edward County, Cumberland County, Buckingham County and Amelia County. This aligns with the 15 localities (13 counties and 2 cities) served by GO Virginia Region 3.
SOVA Innovation Hub – RISE Project Team Members
Lauren Mathena
Director of Economic Development & Community Engagement at Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corp. (MBC) & SOVA Innovation Hub
Mallory Lawter
SOVA Innovation Hub Community Manager
Liz Smith
Senior Marketing & Communications Manager at Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corp. (MBC) & SOVA Innovation Hub
Longwood SBDC – RISE Project Team Members
Sheri McGuire
Longwood SBDC Executive Director + Associate Vice President at Longwood University Office of Community & Economic Development
Jacob Dolence
Director, Educational Innovation & Entrepreneurial Ecosystems, Longwood University & SEED Innovation Hub and Business Consultant, Longwood SBDC
Dana Knott, MBA
Longwood SBDC Central Region Director
Michael Scales
Longwood SBDC Western Region Business Analyst + P&HCC Faculty
Lin Hite
Longwood SBDC Western Region Director + Consultant for businesses in Danville, Pittsylvania County, and Halifax County, VA
Jen Cox
Longwood SBDC Consultant + Director of Local and Community Relations at Longwood University
Community Investment Collaborative – RISE Project Team Members
Laura Coleman
CIC Entrepreneurial Impact Manager - Southern Virginia
Office Location: SOVA Innovation Hub
Fritz Amspacher
RISE Business Navigator
Office Location: SOVA Innovation Hub
Patrick & Henry Community College – RISE Project Team Members
Rhonda Hodges
Vice President of Community, Economic, and Workforce Development at Patrick & Henry Community College
Le'Bryan Patterson
RISE Business Navigator
Office Location: P&HCC Dalton IDEA Center
Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) – RISE Project Team Members
Hope Harris-Gayles
Director of Communications & Outreach at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center + Longwood SBDC Marketing Consultant
Rosa Dunn
Director, Career Tech Academy at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center
Jocelyn Forest
RISE Entrepreneurship Education Coordinator, Career Tech Academy at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center
Join Us in Building a Thriving Ecosystem
We believe that anyone can be an ecosystem builder, and we invite you to be part of this dynamic network. Whether you’re a leader, innovator, or advocate for positive community change, there’s a place for you in the RISE Collaborative.
📚 Learn more about ecosystem building: Visit our Ecosystem Building page >
💼 Explore opportunities to join our team: Visit our Careers page >