Will Payne is managing partner of Coalfield Strategies, a firm leading a number of economic development initiatives in Southwest Virginia. InvestSWVA has delivered nearly 800 new jobs, and the Energy DELTA Lab is working on a $10 billion portfolio of clean energy generation and demand projects on reclaimed coal mine properties. He’s also co-founder of Squabble State Hard Cider & Spirits, a destination cidery, distillery and apple orchard opened in September 2024 with mountain views for miles overlooking downtown Bristol, VA. Having previously worked in Virginia politics for over 15 years, Will published Mark Warner the Dealmaker. A former Vice Rector of William & Mary’s board of visitors, Will now chairs the university’s real estate foundation board.
