Christiansburg-Blacksburg’s 2025 Professional Leadership Award at the club’s May 19 meeting. Pictured (left to right) left Club President Jim Drader, Francis, Club Secretary/Treasurer Paul Farrier, and Club Award Chair Randy Young.
PHOTO BY RICK FURR
The Rotary Club of Christiansburg-Blacksburg recently awarded their 2025 Professional Leadership Award to Diana Francis, Executive Director, Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation (BMCF).
Club Award Chair Randy Young said, “the Professional Leadership Award recognizes individuals who have gone beyond the boundaries of conventional professional success by demonstrating exceptional leadership in the development and implementation of programs beneficial to the community.”
The award has been made annually since 2000 to individuals in diverse professions such as technology, education, medicine, finance, and public safety.
Francis has been a member of the Blacksburg community for over 30 years, sharing her talents and interests in education, marketing and communications, art and film and organizing people and events. From teaching English and film in Montgomery County Public Schools, to creating and managing the Artful Lawyer Gallery as a community space for viewing and making local art, to working with Downtown Blacksburg Inc. on special events such as Steppin’ Out, Summer Solstice Fest, and First Fridays Art Walks, her professional life has been focused on making the community a better place for all ages.
Francis’ volunteer activities have similarly focused on engaging the community with fun activities including volunteering with the BMCF on events such as their fundraising Gala and art exhibits and at the Lyric Theatre where she serves on the Board of Directors and is the host of Reel Talk at the Lyric on Sunday afternoons.
Former Executive Director of the Lyric Theatre, Susan Mattingly, said of Francis, “When we put out a call for volunteers, Diana was always quick to sign up. That alone would be valuable, but what really set her apart was her willingness to be a problem solver and an idea generator. She also brought her commitment to putting [her ideas] into practice with her own blood, sweat, and tears. The Lyric was made stronger and more vibrant by her commitment to service and for that, I am very grateful!”
Francis’ extensive network and qualifications made her an excellent choice to lead the BMCF. In her role as Executive Director of the BMCF, Francis has improved the Blacksburg Museum’s events and exhibits, visitors’ experiences, activities, social media, and fundraising and improved relationships with the town and its citizens. In addition, she is working to rebuild the network of regional museums, acknowledging that all of these venues will be stronger if they work together.
BMCF Board Secretary and Rotary Club of Christiansburg-Blacksburg Secretary Paul Farrier spoke positively about her impact on the BMCF and the Blacksburg Museum’s reputation in the community.
“As BMCF Executive Director, Diana is able to tap into her demonstrated experience and network so that the Foundation and its activities will continue to excel.”
The Rotary Club of Christiansburg-Blacksburg has exemplified the Rotary motto of Service Above Self in the community for over 100 years. Local leadership recognition, Career and Technical Education scholarships, and community service projects as well as participation in Rotary International programs such as PolioPlus exemplify this motto. For more information or to join us, find @ChristiansburgBlacksburgRotary on Facebook.
