Our board is made up of community members that are committed to the growth and success of downtown.

A native of Washington, DC, Elli moved to Christiansburg in 2013 with her husband to pursue a graduate degree at Virginia Tech. An economic developer and evaluator by training and practice, Elli loves to inspire communities to live their best and most prosperous future, and evaluate impact and learning along the way. Her hobbies are gardening with her husband, visiting funky Virginia downtowns and discovering “secret” parks, nerding out about economic impact methodology, and eating local food. Elli served as Vice President from 2018-2022, and was elected to serve as President for 2022-2024.

Chris is the grateful owner of Sweetgrass Yoga right in downtown Christiansburg. She is passionate about anchoring her studio on Main Street, contributing to the revitalization of this vibrant community. With a background in interior design, real estate, and teaching, she brings a unique blend of skills to the table. Known for rallying support and championing causes, she believes in breathing new life into our downtowns – the true heartbeats of our communities. A resident of Christiansburg, Chris enjoys anything that involves family and community. She and her husband, Tim, have four kids and two rambunctious golden retrievers.

Sean Daily, a trustee on the DCI board since 2018, and volunteer since 2016, is originally from Manassas, VA. He lived in the NRV first as a Hokie undergrad in the early 2000's, and then since 2012 when he bought an 80's ranch in historic Cambria. He enjoys sports, gardening, spending time with his wife, Elli, and their two dogs, and all things Virginia Tech. His vision for downtown Christiansburg is one full of excitement and vibrancy!.

Stephen is a technology professional and yoga instructor who has lived in the New River Valley since 2008. He has extensive experience meeting people where they are in his teachings and time spent working at five different local technology startups as a product manager and software developer. Throughout his time in the NRV, Stephen has experimented with event planning and community building as a music events organizer and supporter of regional economic empowerment initiatives. Outside work and off the mat, you can find Stephen outdoors on one of his favorite hikes or at a local performance.

Alan Waters is a husband, business owner, marketing professional, and arts & community advocate. Born and raised in a small town in Georgia, he met his wife in Vermont, started his career in New York, and now is planting his roots in the New River Valley. With a dedication to building a community that will flourish and thrive, he joined DCI’s board so he could be at the heart of the efforts to revitalize the place he has called home since 2020. With his wife Rachel, a native of Blacksburg, Alan has gotten involved with many organizations and businesses in the area including the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, the Montgomery Museum, the former Great Road Coffee Shop, and of course Downtown Christiansburg Inc. He has broken his collarbone 5 times, was once an ordained minister, impersonates Shaggy Rogers, and is a puppeteer!

Originally from Craig County, VA, Emily Priddy moved to the NRV in 2012 to attend Radford University. She graduated in 2016 and moved to Bath County VA in 2017 where she taught art for K-12, yearbook, and coached the high school tennis team. Emily returned to Craig County where she continued to teach art and yearbook at the local high school in 2019-2020 before moving to Christiansburg so she could teach at Blacksburg Middle School. For the past four years, Emily has taught mainly seventh and eighth grade students, sponsored the BMS Art Club, and has been a member of the BMS Core Values Committee since 2021. Outside of school, Emily and her husband Leo enjoy gardening, tennis, and hiking with their dog Odie.