Virginia Business - 2023 Heavy Hitters List Features Travis Staton

"Power and influence: The United Way of Southwest Virginia’s leader since 2005, Staton has an outsized influence as an advocate for regional solutions to health, education and economic issues challenging one of the poorest areas of the state. Recognized among the nation’s most innovative United Way affiliates, UWSWVA has been through eight mergers and acquisitions under Staton’s leadership, and it now represents 17 counties and four cities — a footprint covering 20% of the state. In 2021, UWSWVA launched Ready SWVA, an initiative to increase the region’s child care options, a key barrier to work. Staton also serves on the Region One Council for GO Virginia, a state economic development initiative fostering private sector growth and job creation.

Recent developments: Last year, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced $1.24 million in new grant funding for Ready SWVA, which had previously received $3.5 million from the General Assembly. The funding will place 100 new teachers in early child care centers over the next two years."

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