Photo courtesy of Botetourt Co.
By Matt de Simone
Botetourt County is set to bid farewell to longtime Economic Development Director Ken McFadyen, as he transitions into a new role as Alleghany County Administrator. The Alleghany County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to appoint McFadyen during its regular meeting on April 1. He is expected to assume his new position full-time in early June, according a release made by Alleghany County last week.
Since 2016, McFadyen has played a pivotal role in shaping Botetourt County’s economic landscape. Under his leadership, seven companies announced plans to locate or expand within the county, resulting in nearly 1,000 new jobs and $185 million in capital investment. He has also been a strong advocate for small businesses and has worked to expand broadband access to support remote work opportunities.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with the Alleghany County Board of Supervisors to achieve the supervisors’ goals in serving the citizens of the county,” McFadyen recently said when asked about his new position in Alleghany. “It will be challenging and I am looking forward to applying my 25-plus years of experience in local government and economic development in addressing the community’s needs.
“Botetourt is a wonderful community with lots of assets and resources to be proud of. The people in the community care about their home and it has been clear to me that folks are eager to enhance Botetourt’s quality of life and to protect what makes this such a special place. I also want to thank the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors and Administration for nine, productive years. I am thankful for Botetourt County. My co-workers here with Botetourt County are serving diligently and selflessly to address the needs of the community and to make positive contributions in every respect. I am thankful for them and for the friendships we have made.”
McFadyen believes that Botetourt County’s economic development is in a good position in bringing more new businesses to the county. “Business is booming in Botetourt,” McFadyen continued. “Private sector jobs and wages, particularly in manufacturing, are growing at rates that exceed state and national growth. That says something important about Botetourt being a great place for businesses to locate, grow, and thrive. Anyone who knows me also knows that I often say that everybody is an economic developer. Assisting to attract, keep, and grow a community’s businesses is an all-hands-on-deck exercise and Botetourt County will remain well positioned to succeed in this regard. And, I will continue to support the community in any way I can while serving the supervisors and citizens next door in Alleghany County.”
McFadyen has more than 25 years of experience in local government administration and economic development. Prior to his time in Botetourt, he served as executive director of the Blue Ridge Crossroads Economic Development Authority, which supports Grayson County, the City of Galax, and Carroll County. He has also worked in county and town management roles in North Carolina.
Botetourt County Administrator Gary Larrowe recently shared, “Ken has served well in Botetourt as the director of Economic Development. We are sad to see Ken leave; however, we are excited for him to be able to influence the development of another regional community. Ken has a passion for rural areas and Alleghany will be fortunate to have him at the helm. Growth and development are key elements of a rural community to prosper and Ken has the education, experience and tools to lead well.”
In 2018, he served as president of the Virginia Economic Developers Association and has collaborated with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia General Assembly, and multiple gubernatorial administrations on economic initiatives.
McFadyen earned both his undergraduate degree in history and his master’s in public administration from Appalachian State University. He is an Eagle Scout and a former Rotary Club president. His wife, Melanie McFadyen, is the current Fincastle Town Manager. The couple resides in Botetourt with their two children, Sara, 18, and Conor, 16. In his free time, McFadyen enjoys hiking, camping, and photography.
As Botetourt County prepares for this transition, county officials will begin the process of selecting a new Economic Development director to continue the momentum of business growth and investment in the region.
