Virginia Economic Review

As the world continues to struggle with drug supply chains and critical shortages, clusters of activity have emerged to move the needle of medication affordability and accessibility.

Recent major biopharmaceutical manufacturing announcements are positioning Virginia for a broader reshoring effort in the pharma industry. COVID-era supply chain disruptions and resulting shortages exposed the risks of over-reliance on overseas production for essential medicines.

Careyann Weinberg, Director of Economic Vitality for the Downtown Norfolk Council in Hampton Roads, Virginia, discusses quality of life and talent opportunities in Hampton Roads and Virginia as a whole, including the strong professional network in the area, the opportunities for talent, and her own "Why Virginia" story.

Bonnie Chavez, CEO of Building Beloved Communities in Roanoke, Virginia, discusses quality of life and talent opportunities in Roanoke and Virginia as a whole, including what drew her to the area, the opportunities for talent and her own "Why Virginia" story. Watch the Conversation

Are you a transplant, a boomerang, or a lifelong Virginian? What brought you to the Commonwealth in the first place? I’m a transplant — I was born in Missouri, then lived in Ohio, Georgia, and South Carolina. I attended Clemson University and, after earning my Ph.D.

Michelle Williams is the new talent and digital strategies program manager at the Roanoke Regional Partnership (RRP). Julia Boas headed up the RRP’s talent strategies until recently taking over as director of business investment.