Photo of Whitney Czelusniak.

Whitney Czelusniak is a native of Southwest Virginia and grew up in Chilhowie, a small town in Smyth County. She received a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Roanoke College and a master’s in public administration and a graduate certificate in economic development from Virginia Tech. She began her career in Savannah, Georgia where she served as a management fellow for the city. She then returned to Virginia Tech where she spent six years as an economic development specialist for what was formerly the Office of Economic Development and is now the Center for Economic and Community Engagement. She then returned to her home region where she served as Washington County’s economic development coordinator for six and a half years. In March 2021, she joined American Electric Power as an economic and business development manager for Appalachian Power’s service territory in Virginia and Tennessee.

1. What was your first job and what did it teach you?

During my undergraduate years at Roanoke College, I initially pursued a legal career. I had summer internships in the Smyth County Commonwealth Attorney's office, for the honorable James C. Turk, a Senior U.S. District Judge in Roanoke, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Roanoke. Not only did I learn about how legal systems work in general, I also learned about the challenges that face our region from a socioeconomic perspective. I saw how those challenges showed up in the legal system and how cases coming through the courtroom provided a barometer of what was going on in the community.

2. What drew you to the economic development field?

I wanted to have a career where I could help communities remain vibrant places. During my childhood and teenage years in the 1980s and 90s, the community I lived in primarily produced textiles, furniture, and tobacco. Those industries were experiencing a lot of change as I was beginning to think about what I wanted to do for a career. In my hometown, I saw firsthand how important economic diversification and economic resilience is for communities as they encounter times of economic transition. I also saw the importance of workforce training as a tool in helping communities navigate that transition.

3. What do you like most about your job as manager of economic and business development for American Electric Power?

The role allows me to support regional, state, and local economic developers in communities, in this case, from a utility-based perspective. I enjoy having an opportunity to work with several professionals who are passionate about the communities they serve. I also enjoy the opportunity to interact with our customers and learn about some of the opportunities and challenges that are facing a wide range of businesses and industry across Western Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.

4. What made you interested in joining the GOVA Region 2 council?

I've had prior roles that have given me a unique perspective on economic and talent development opportunities and challenges across the New River Valley, Roanoke Valley, and Lynchburg regions. Through my current role, I've also developed considerable insight into how product development and infrastructure play an important part in helping support both existing business expansion and new business attraction opportunities. My hope is that I can use my current and combined experiences to offer helpful insight to the council. I’m looking forward to learning a lot from my fellow council members and working with them to understand how we can support our local stakeholders in moving our region forward.

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

My parents are both active in my home community in various volunteer and public service roles. From a young age, that helped to instill in me the value of being an active participant in your community. My aunt and my uncle were also inspirational to me. My aunt is a college professor, and she gave me a lot of valuable advice when I worked in academia. My uncle was an engineer and a public administrator for North Carolina government. He was one of the first people to introduce me to the concept of having a career in economic development. It was beneficial for me to have two people offer their experience to help me identify a career opportunity in this profession.

6. What is your favorite place to visit?

Iceland. It's one of the most beautiful places I've ever traveled.

7. What activities/hobbies do you like to do in your spare time?

Anything that allows me a chance to get outside. There's such a diversity of assets that exist across all communities in GOVA Region 2. Whether it's kayaking, camping, or mountain-biking, I've been able to find some really unique attributes in each of Region 2's subregions, and I love the opportunity to get out and explore. I also enjoy gardening and outdoor sports. I love music, especially enjoy old-time music and jam, and I play nine musical instruments.