Shannon R.

Blevins

Shannon Blevins serves as the Vice Chancellor for Government Relations and Strategic Initiatives for The University of Virginia’s College at Wise. As a Southwest Virginia native with broad experience working with new and expanding businesses, Shannon leads the College’s economic outreach efforts.  In doing so, she works to create opportunities for government, non-profit organizations, businesses, and higher education to work together to further the progress of the region. 

As part of her role, Shannon also supports UVA Wise’s offsite locations - the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon (SWHEC) and the Oxbow Center in St. Paul. 

Shannon, along with fellow Appalachian Prosperity Project leaders, facilitated regional efforts to develop the Blueprint for Entrepreneurial Growth and Economic Prosperity in Southwest Virginia as well as the Blueprint for Attracting and Sustaining Advanced Manufacturing in Southwest Virginia. Her skills in building regional coalitions is evident in the launching of Opportunity SWVA in 2012, the entrepreneur network serving the region as well as serving as a founding member of the Clinch River Valley Initiative. She served on Governor Northam’s Workforce Policy Council and is currently a board member for Lead Virginia. Additionally, under Shannon’s direction, UVA Wise serves as the support organization for the GO Virginia Region One Council.

Prior to joining the UVA Wise team, Shannon served as a senior project manager with the Virginia Department of Business Assistance where she coordinated state, regional and local efforts in support of the CGI and Northrop Grumman operations in Russell County.

She is an accomplished instructor, consultant and former director of customer service/operations with twelve years of experience in private industry.  She holds a master’s degree in Business Management and Organizational Development from Averett University, a B.A. in Business and Public Administration from The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, and a Certificate in Leadership Development through Darden Executive Education.  She has also completed the Management Leadership Program through Harvard’s Graduate School of Education and Lead Virginia, Class of 2008. Shannon was the recipient of the Lead Virginia Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2015.