Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley welcomed Ginny Ritenour Ayers as its new
executive director on Monday, Jan. 10.
“Ginny brings a remarkable blend of impactful fund development and volunteer engagement
experience together with a strong history of leadership,” said Board Chair Karim Khan. “We are
so excited about the skills, passion, and enthusiasm she will bring to our mission to change lives
through literacy.”
In her previous position as Director of Alumni Chapter Programs at Virginia Tech, Ayers led
alumni volunteer management and fundraising programs for 14 years. She has extensive
experience leading a team to meet strategic goals through engagement programs.
Prior to her employment at Virginia Tech, Ayers was employed for 14 years with New River Foundry in various roles. She earned a Masters in Education from Virginia Tech in 2014.
“I’m ready to leverage my leadership strengths, organizational skills, and love for the New River
Valley to better benefit our diverse community members right here at home,” Ayers said.
“Having worked both in the manufacturing sector and higher education in the NRV, I’ve had
front-row exposure to the needs of our neighbors and the lack of resources available for adult
literacy skills development. I have a personal affinity for the work of LVNRV, and I look
forward to supporting and expanding our variety of educational opportunities to help our
students achieve their goals.”
The organization’s previous executive director, Linda Jilk, will continue to be employed with
LVNRV in a part-time role focused on promoting student literacy learning.
Literacy Volunteers of the NRV, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and United Way partner
agency, offers free educational services for adults who want to improve reading, writing,
English, math, and basic computer skills, or prepare for the GED or the US Citizenship exam to achieve goals for self-sufficiency.
Instruction is provided one-on-one as well as through small groups and classes offered at community-based locations throughout the New River Valley and online. A family literacy program, offered in partnership with local public libraries, teaches parents skills to help their children succeed in school. Skill UP NRV is an initiative to help adults learn skills to get and succeed at a job.
The Bridge to Digital Literacy initiative helps adults access technology and skills for virtual tutoring and independence.
Each year, 200 to 300 adults receive literacy services through LVNRV thanks to the in-kind
contributions of more than 150 volunteers and the generous financial support of the NRV
community. Estimates are that 24,000 adults in the New River Valley struggle with basic
reading.
