Our Staff
Office of Economic Development
Whether you are looking to start, locate, or expand your business, host your state or regional conference, or simply plan your summer vacation, we can help. The professional staff at the Waynesboro, Virginia, Office of Economic Development and Tourism is available to provide information, contacts, and assistance. We work with realtors, developers, large industries, and local businesses to make your project a success through up-to-date demographic data, location assistance, and access to state and local financing options.
Staff
Greg Hitchin, CEcD (Director)
About Greg
Greg Hitchin serves as the Director of Economic Development and Tourism for the City of Waynesboro Virginia, where he leads a team focused on improving prosperity in the community. Together they build strategic partnerships, enable opportunities for investment, and create distinctive programs designed to accelerate the growth of capital investment, job creation, and increased tax revenue, encouraging a thriving and resilient local economy.
Greg is a certified economic developer (CEcD) with over 25 years of economic development experience. Prior to joining the city in April 2010, he served 11 ½ years as the Business Development Manager and the Treasurer/CFO of the IDA for the Onondaga County Office of Economic Development in Syracuse, New York.
His previous background includes Consumer Goods and Services Sales and Marketing in a variety of positions, from Sales Representative to Senior Management. He has a BS from the Rochester Institute of Technology, graduated from the Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute, completed the Leadership Greater Augusta program, and is an IAMC fellow.
Greg currently serves as the President of the Virginia Economic Development Association (VEDA), chairman of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) Committee on Business Development and Marketing, member of the Board of Directors for the Shenandoah Valley Partnership (SVP), and Director / Treasurer of the Center for Coldwater’s Restoration.
His former service includes board member for the Industrial Asset Management Council (IAMC) and International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
He was recognized as one of the North American Top 50 Economic Developers in 2018 and received the Mary Jo Hanover Award from IAMC in 2022.
Stephanie Duffy (Assistant Director)
About Stephanie
Stephanie is the Assistant Director for Economic Development and Tourism. She was born and raised in Waynesboro. After graduating high school she attended Blue Ridge Community College where she received her Associate’s Degree before transferring out of state to Armstrong Atlantic State University (now part of Georgia Southern University). After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree she returned home to Waynesboro where she resides with her husband and their two daughters. She has been in the Economic Development Office since 2011. Stephanie leads the tourism team and participates as the city representative in regional tourism organizations including the Greater Augusta Regional Tourism (GART) Board, the Shenandoah Valley Tourism Partnership (SVTP) and the Waynesboro VA250 Committee. Stephanie is also a member of the Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA) and participates in the shared interest group for downtown development.
Meghan Swanson (Marketing Communications Manager)
About Meghan
Meghan is the Marketing Communications Manager for Economic Development and Tourism. Meghan has been living in Waynesboro for the last 11 years after relocating from Baltimore, MD. She holds an Associate’s Degree from Blue Ridge Community College and completed the Digital Marketing Science program at the University of Virginia in 2023. Meghan also serves as Board President for Destination Downtown Waynesboro, championing local businesses and organizing events. She has been with the Tourism Office since 2019.
Amanda Stone (Administrative Assistant)
About Amanda
Amanda is the Administrative Assistant for Economic Development and Tourism.
Born in Waynesboro, she is a local small business owner, chandler, and children’s book author. Amanda also previously served as Board Treasurer for Destination Downtown Waynesboro from 2021 – 2022.