Wednesday, April 30th at 12:30 pm ET via Zoom
Wednesday, April 30th at 12:30 pm ET via Zoom – For years, organizations across Appalachia have been transforming what’s possible for rural communities—reclaiming spaces, reimagining economies, and rebuilding trust. In this panel, leaders from Coalfield Development Corporation, WV Community Development Hub, and the Green Bank for Rural America shared foundations of their work and purpose, impacts in the current landscape, and what it means to keep moving forward in a time of uncertainty.
Together, we explored
- The long-haul work of community investment and what’s made transformation possible in places once considered left behind.
- How partnerships—across sectors and regions—are unlocking capital, leadership, and opportunity at scale.
- The devastating opportunity costs of stalled federal funding, and what’s at risk when once-in-a-generation investments are threatened.
- How organizations are staying the course, doubling down on systems-level change, and holding the line for rural futures.
After hearing from each organization, we opened the floor for a wider discussion. We invited attendees to share their own reflections, questions, and insights as we explore how to move forward—together.
Speakers:
Emma Byrne, Director of Impact, WV Community Development Hub
Jacob Hannah, Chief Executive Officer, Coalfield Development Corporation
Katie Loudin, Director of Strategic Development, WV Community Development Hub
Daniel Wallace, President & CEO, Green Bank for Rural America