NRGRDA Summer Intern Addressing Policy and Project Priorities

Beckley, W.Va. (WVDN) – Adam Ashley, a recent graduate of the University of Virginia (UVA) with a degree in Government and American Politics, has been spending his summer internship researching key policy and project priorities of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) and West Virginia Hive.

Jina Belcher, NRGRDA Executive Director, said, “Adam is a well-rounded, unbiased resource whose analysis and research skills are an invaluable addition to our NRGRDA team.” Judy Moore, NRGRDA Deputy Director and Executive Director of the WV Hive, is managing Ashley’s work and says, “Having someone adding value to our work with a fresh perspective and the latest education in government programs is extremely beneficial.”

Ashley, who is continuing his education through UVA’s accelerated Master of Public Policy at the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, is working toward several deliverables this summer:

• Market Research Report: Detailed analysis of market entrepreneurship trends and partner landscapes.
• Policy Briefs and White Papers: Documents on key policy issues affecting entrepreneurship and small business programs.
• Business Plans and Pitch Decks: Materials to support entrepreneurial initiatives.
• Communication Materials: Blog posts, social media content, and newsletters to evoke action.
• Final Internship Report: Summary of activities, contributions, and learnings from the internship.

Ashley said, “I was immediately drawn to the opportunity with the NRGRDA to further my professional experience in economic development policy. One of my biggest takeaways thus far is how much meaningful opportunity exists in the New River Gorge and southern West Virginia region.” He is a native of Annandale, Va.

In 2020, Ashley co-founded a remote, youth-led think tank called The Greater Good Initiative (GGI), elevating the voices of over 200 young people in policy and political decision-making by producing and advocating for research-driven, bipartisan policy proposals. Through his work at GGI, Ashley was able to collaborate with members of the Virginia General Assembly to pass legislation that created financial incentives for farmers and agriculture workers across the Commonwealth. The experience also allowed him to establish meaningful relationships with public officials working nationwide, providing him with valuable insight on how the policymaking process works at all levels of government.

“Throughout my time at the University of Virginia, I have taken advantage of the phenomenal resources available through the Center for Politics to strengthen my understanding of American political institutions and effective, ethical governing,” said Ashley. “It has given me a chance to hone my skills in highly relevant disciplines in public policy, such as economics, data analysis, and behavioral psychology, which have all provided me with an essential understanding of how governing bodies like Congress facilitate policy writing and implementation. Additionally, I have been selected as a member of the 2024 Tadler Fellowship in Impact Investing, allowing me to connect with local leaders and governing bodies across Appalachia to identify and take action on infrastructure and economic development projects.”

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