Here’s the press release from Botetourt County: Fincastle, VA – Ken McFadyen will join Botetourt County as Director of Economic Development, effective July 18, 2016. McFadyen, 45, will promote Botetourt’s economic development initiatives and pursue the many opportunities that the County has recently identified. McFadyen has 17 years of experience in economic development and public administration, including most recently seven years as executive director of the Blue Ridge Crossroads Economic Development Authority, which serves Grayson County, the City of Galax, and Carroll County. Currently, he also serves on the executive committee of the Virginia Economic Developers Association, the Commonwealth’s professional association of economic development practitioners and consultants. Previously, McFadyen served four years as town manager of West Jefferson, N.C. and three years as assistant to the county manager in McDowell County, N.C., with an additional three-year stint working with a grassroots economic development non-profit organization that promoted a White House initiative. Some of the projects that McFadyen will be leading include the Exit 150 redevelopment, further development of the Botetourt Center at Greenfield, and attracting a younger demographic resident to Botetourt to take advantage of some of the recent job announcements, plus work in entrepreneurial development. McFadyen earned his master’s in public administration from Appalachian State University, where he also earned his undergraduate degree in history. He is an Eagle Scout and former Rotary club president. His wife Melanie graduated from the University of Virginia. The couple has a daughter Sara, 9, and son Conor, 7. His hobbies include hiking, American history and travel.
