Originally from the Alleghany Highlands region, Jacob Wright serves as the chairman of the newly consolidated Alleghany Highlands Public Schools school board and operates Merry Go Round Farm, a family farm and private events venue. He also runs two real estate businesses. He has a bachelor’s degree in design from Corcoran School of the Arts and Design at George Washington University and studied architecture at Boston Architectural College.

1. What do you like most about serving as chair for the Alleghany Highlands Public School board?

Since I've had the chance to be chair, we've consolidated Covington City Schools and Alleghany County Public Schools. That project is something I’ve had a major hand in. I’ve worked on it for about 10 years, but there have been talks of consolidation since 1963. Finally, we were able to come together to accomplish consolidation, and it’s been great for the kids so far.

2. What made you want to start Merry Go Round Farms, and what is your favorite part of running a farm?

The farm has been in my family since 1756. When I returned to the region, I wanted to see what I could do to make the farm sustainable. On the farm, I raise Gloucestershire Old Spots pigs. I also love entertaining, which was what led me to open the farm as a wedding and private events venue.

3. What have you learned so far from serving on the GO Virginia Region 2 council?

It's been great to meet new people that are interested in progressing our region. A lot of the work is education related, which is one of my main focuses, so I enjoy being part of a group of like-minded people that want the best for our region.

4. Is there anything that you would like to see GO Virginia Region 2 do more of in the future?

I'm excited about the possibility of some projects in the Alleghany Highlands. We're the northernmost point of Region 2, and I'm eager to get some folks from our council up to the area to look at some potential projects.

5. What is your favorite part of living in GOVA Region 2?

Spending time in the outdoors. We have so much to offer around here, and I like canoeing, fishing, and hunting.

6. Who are key leaders or mentors in your life that have inspired you?

My parents and grandparents were all entrepreneurs in very creative ways. They turned the things they liked to do into businesses, which inspires me in my own work. When I was a child, my mother always stood up to the local governments for what she believed in. She was the driving force behind me wanting to work on the school board and collaborating with others on consolidation.

7. What was the last book you read that you would recommend?

The last book I read that I would recommend is called Charcuterie: The Craft of Salting, Smoking and Curing by Michael Ruhlman and Brian Polcyn. I did a presentation with the authors in Atlantic City, and the book has been helpful as I’m getting ready to process some pigs in the next couple of weeks.

8. What is the most memorable place you’ve ever visited?

The most unique place I’ve ever visited is the tunnels in between the Corcoran Gallery of Art and the White House in Washington D.C. You can no longer access these tunnels as this was before 9/11. I went through the sculpture lab and underneath the streets of D.C. all the way to the White House.