COMMISSION STAFF
Alexandria Gearin, Community Development Coordinator
Alex joined NSVRC is 2010 and is the primary staff contact for the HOME Investments Partnerships Program, addressing affordable housing in the Northern Shenandoah Valley Region and the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, a foreclosure mitigation effort. As CoC Coordinator, Alex manages the regional planning process for coordination of human services in the Northern Shenandoah Valley with a goal of ending homelessness. Alex is a certified Housing Development Finance Professional of the National Development Council, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Mary Washington (2010), and earned Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Public Management from Kent State University (2013).
Michelle Owens, Director of Finance and Administration
"Shelley" joined the NSVRC in August of 2006 with over 12 years of experience in municipal government. As the Director of Finance and Administration, Shelley is responsible for directing the internal financial aspects of the organization including financial planning and administration, budgeting, development of accounting procedure, financial reporting, grant compliance monitoring, and payroll/benefits processing. Shelley graduated from Sanford Brown College in Des Peres, Missouri in 1988 with Certifications in Accounting and Business Administration. Prior to coming to the Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission, Shelley served as the Deputy Town Clerk of Luray, Virginia and Human Resources Director and Executive Assistant to the Council and Mayor of the City of Union, Missouri.
Brandon Davis, Executive Director
Brandon has served as NSVRC’s Executive Director since February 8, 2016. Prior to joining the Commission, he spent 10 years in service to Virginia local governments, most recently as the Director of Community Development for NSVRC member jurisdiction Shenandoah County. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from James Madison University in Public Administration, a Master’s in Business Administration from Liberty University, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management from Virginia Tech. Brandon is a Bedford County, Virginia native and currently resides in Shenandoah County with his wife and three children.
Brandon has served as NSVRC’s Executive Director since February 8, 2016. Prior to joining the Commission, he spent 10 years in service to Virginia local governments, most recently as the Director of Community Development for NSVRC member jurisdiction Shenandoah County. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from James Madison University in Public Administration, a Master’s in Business Administration from Liberty University, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management from Virginia Tech. Brandon is a Bedford County, Virginia native and currently resides in Shenandoah County with his wife and three children.
Gretchen Henderson, Fiscal Officer
Gretchen joined the NSVRC in August of 2021. She is support staff to Shelley Owens, Director of Finance and Administration. Having worked the first 24 years of her professional as a high school Social Studies teacher, she chose to pivot to Business. She obtained her Bachelors of Arts degree in Accounting, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Liberty University in 2015. She has worked in both private and governmental accounting environments prior to joining the NSVRC. In addition to performing general NSVRC administrative bookkeeping duties, she is specializing in financial management of grant prgorams.
Christina "Tina" Alley, Fiscal & Administrative Assistant
Christina “Tina” Alley, of New Market, joins the team with over 25 years of administrative, budgeting, and purchasing experience in both the public and private sectors, including time spent with Loudon County Fire and Rescue, and Civilian Police International. Tina will provide support to the Executive Director, Finance Director and the Commission staff. She will be the initial contact for visitors and callers.
Christina “Tina” Alley, of New Market, joins the team with over 25 years of administrative, budgeting, and purchasing experience in both the public and private sectors, including time spent with Loudon County Fire and Rescue, and Civilian Police International. Tina will provide support to the Executive Director, Finance Director and the Commission staff. She will be the initial contact for visitors and callers.
Karen Taylor, Senior Project and Operations Manager
Karen is currently the Senior Project and Operations Manager for the Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission. She manages the day to day operations of the Winchester-Frederick County Metropolitan Planning Organization, the RideSmart commuter assistance program and various other programs within the NSVRC. Karen's specialties include project management, grant administration and subcontractor supervision. Karen earned an Associates Degree in Computer Science from Lord Fairfax Community College. Prior to working for the Commission, Ms. Taylor worked for Warren County, Virginia.
Ashley Shickle, Strategic Planner
Ashley comes to the NSVRC with two years of economic development experience with the Frederick County Economic Development Authority. She will lead the NSVRC through the development and maintenance of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, assist community partners with Go Virginia applications, and provide project support as needed. Ashley earned a Master of Business Administration from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland; as well as a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina. Ashley has also completed the Virginia Institute for Economic Development from Virginia Tech.
Becky Sandretzky, Commuter Assistance Program Coordinator
Becky is the Commuter Assistance Program Coordinator for the Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission. She is responsible for the RideSmart program, helping commuters in our region every day. Along with overseeing the Ridesmart program, she also keeps the website up to date, as well as advertising important information on our social media pages. Becky is a Clarke County native and currently resides in Winchester. She graduated from Lord Fairfax Community College with her Associates Degree in Arts and Sciences.
Amanda Kerns, Senior Planner
Amanda joined the NSVRC as a Regional Planner in December 2019 after interning with the organization for six months. She was born and raised in Winchester, and has also spent time in South Florida where she received a bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida Atlantic University (FAU). During her time at FAU, Amanda worked as a research assistant with the Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions, and served as secretary and president of the Planning Society. As a research assistant she worked with municipalities such as Downtown West Palm Beach and the City of Fort Lauderdale conducting community planning and economic development related projects. At the NSVRC Amanda provides technical assistance in traditional planning areas; and is gaining experience in zoning ordinance development and administration, as well as comprehensive planning. In addition, Amanda provides creative and design support on a variety of staff projects.
Emma Rusnak, GIS Coordinator & Regional Planner
Emma joined the NSVRC in May of 2023. She has 6 years of GIS and local government experience from working for the county of Warren and is a Warren County native. She has a bachelor’s degree in Geography from George Mason University and is currently working on a Master of Environmental Management from the University of Connecticut. In her role at NSVRC, Emma assists local governments within the region with their GIS needs and carries out mapping and data analysis for internal regional projects.
Taryn Logan, AICP, Principal Planner
Taryn joined the Commission in July 2023 with over 21 years of experience in Local Government Planning and Administration. Prior to joining the Commission, she served as the Deputy County Administrator for Warren County and their Director of Planning and Zoning for most of her career. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from James Madison University in Public Administration with a concentration in Public Management and a minor in Criminal Justice, as well as a Graduate Certificate from Shenandoah University in Public Management. She has been a certified Planner in the American Institute of Certified Planners since 2009. In her role with the NSVRC, Taryn provides staff support for the Winchester-Frederick County MPO, as well as the region’s Rural Transportation Program, and provides technical assistance on various planning projects.
