Director of Regional Destination Development Friends of Southwest Virginia
In May 2025, Catherine Fox joined Friends of Southwest Virginia as Director of Regional Destination Development, bringing with her a decades-long career at the intersection of tourism and economic development. A visionary leader and collaborator, Catherine is dedicated to strengthening communities across Southwest Virginia through destination development, placemaking, and regional branding.
In her role, she partners with localities to enhance quality of life while positioning Southwest Virginia as a premier destination for travelers. Her work spans workforce development, comprehensive tourism asset mapping, and amplifying the visibility of regional tourism partners—ensuring that both residents and visitors experience the best of what the region has to offer.
A proud Virginia native and lifelong advocate for the Commonwealth, Catherine is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Her deep appreciation for the outdoors fuels both her personal life and her professional vision. When not at work, she can often be found hiking, swimming, or cycling, and she treasures time spent with her family and Labrador Retriever, Stella.
