Senior Destination Development Manager
Virginia Tourism Corporation
Kalen Hunter is a Senior Destination Development Manager at Virginia Tourism Corporation, serving the Southwest Virginia Blue Ridge Highlands Region. She collaborates with regional stakeholders, state partners, local elected officials, tourism directors, and entrepreneurs to strengthen, develop, and promote assets in vibrant communities across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Kalen previously served as the Director of Economic Development and GO Virginia Region One at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise. In this role, she worked with industry partners to build innovative projects around energy, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, information technology, and workforce development. Prior to her work at UVA Wise, Kalen served as the Executive Director of the Northeast Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Cross. She actively deployed for disasters, including Hurricane Michael, Hurricane Florence, and Hurricane Barry. During this time, she collaborated with local government officials, donors, and community stakeholders on disaster preparedness, disaster response, and disaster messaging.
Kalen also serves as a board member for the Civil War Trails, United Way of Southwest Virginia, and Johnston Memorial Hospital’s Community Board. She participates in the Virginia Tech Southwest Advisory Council and the City of Bristol, Virginia’s Planning Commission.
