The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation recently welcomed Kristina Ramsey as director of engagement & external affairs for the nonprofit and Kimberly Petersen as the project coordinator for its Blue Ridge Rising program.
Ramsey will lead outreach and collaboration efforts in Virginia to build relationships with community leaders, elected officials, partners, donors and supporters while expanding awareness of the organization’s mission and impact. A native of Buena Vista, Ramsey has spent a lifetime exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding mountains, where she developed a great appreciation for the outdoors and the region’s communities.
Petersen will help shape and advance innovative strategies that connect Parkway visitors with neighboring communities, expand economic opportunities, support local businesses and foster sustainable growth in the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. A resident of Bedford, Va., Petersen built a career in regional tourism, strategic marketing, and administrative leadership before joining the Foundation. Most recently, she served as executive assistant/chief of staff for the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission after more than a decade working in regional travel marketing. She also holds an Associate Project Manager certification from the Project Management Institute.