Board of Directors

Blue Ridge Literacy's Board of Directors are a diverse group of professionals, service providers, and advocates who are committed to supporting adults in the Roanoke Valley improving their literacy skills.

Jennifer Smyrnos,
 

President

Lead Attorney, 
Grace Immigration PLLC

Carole Tarrant, 

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Vice President 

Coordinator of Development, 

Virginia Western Community College

Lori Baker-Lloyd,

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Vice President

Vice President of Human Resources, 

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys

Karenna Glover, 

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Secretary

Strategic Marketing and Communications Consultant, 
Interactive Insights, LLC

Alicha Grubb,

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Treasurer

Associate, 

Gentry Locke

Elvir Berbic

Student Affairs Manager,

Virginia Tech Carilion School of 

Medicine

Aaron Bond

Senior Director of Learning Services,

Technology-Enhanced Learning and Online Strategies

Virginia Tech

Scott Fell

Retired Attorney, Partner

Kalbaugh, Pfund & Messersmith, P.C.

Baraka Kasongo

CEO, 
Volatia Language Network

Risa Katz-Albert

Associate,

Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC

Mary (Sissy) Kegley

Retired,

Adult Educator

Russ Merritt

Transitional Minister, 

Northminster Presbyterian Church

Evelyne Nzikobanyanka

Clinical Nursing Assistant, 

Our Lady of the Valley

Sheila Umberger

Director of Libraries, 

Roanoke Public Library

Doloris Vest

Owner, 

Book No Further