Todd Christensen
Executive Director
Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission

Todd Christensen, a graduate of the College of William and Mary, has worked in community development at the state and local level for more than 30 years.

He is currently the Executive Director of the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission, which was formed by the Virginia General Assembly to assist in the development of a creative economy in the region through coordination of technical assistance and the strategic investments made by various funders. The Commission is developing Heartwood, a 29,000-square-foot artisan gateway to Southwest Virginia in Abingdon and a comprehensive Web site that will contain and connect the cultural heritage and natural assets attractions and venues in the region and serve as a trip planner for those wishing to explore the region.

Previously, Todd was Deputy Director of Division of Community for the Department of Housing and Community Development with responsibility for the federal (HUD) and state-funded community development construction programs, the Appalachian Regional Commission Program, the Indoor Plumbing Rehabilitation Program, the Virginia Main Street program, the Virginia Enterprise Zone Initiative, the Virginia Individual Development Accounts, and the Virginia Rural Broadband Planning Initiative.

In addition to his normal responsibilities, he has been involved in a number of innovative initiatives:

• He was instrumental in planning and establishing Self-Help Virginia, a successful, community-based, volunteer water and sewer installation program
• He worked with a number of localities on community telecommunications plans in developing “last mile” broadband capacity in rural Virginia
• He is very involved in assisting communities, particularly in Southwest Virginia, in their economic restructuring efforts through downtown revitalization and cultural heritage tourism
• He played a founding role in the initiation and development of The Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail
• He was a key player in the development of ‘Round the Mountain: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Network which involves a number of artisans and craft organizations and venues

In 2003, Todd received the Governor’s Agency Star Award which is presented to the one state employee each year whose achievements most exemplify the mission of their agency. In 2008 he received the Douglas Wilder VCU School of Government’s Excellence in Public Service Award for his innovative approaches and performance in community development.

Presentation

Cultural Assets in Your Community

Learn how the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission is developing a creative economy in Southwest Virginia through preserving, enhancing, and promoting the region’s natural and cultural assets.