NRGRDA Announces Hiring Josephine Moore As Policy and Government Outreach Coordinator

Beckley, W.Va. (February 24, 2025) – The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) announced the hiring of Josephine “Jozy” Moore, former reporter at The Register Herald newspaper in Beckley, as Policy and Government Outreach Coordinator.

Jina Belcher, Executive Director of NRGRDA, said, “Over the last several years NRGRDA has worked closely with Jozy on local programs and projects and appreciated her skilled reporting and trust with high profile and sensitive information. After learning Jozy’s government relations outreach background and watching her grow and earning the confidence of many of our local, state, and federal leaders, we knew we she’d be a phenomenal asset to the NRGRDA team to help navigate the political landscape in WV.”

Moore, a native of Indian Trail, North Carolina, earned her bachelor’s degree in Print Journalism at Marshall University. Before working at the Register Herald, she worked as a government affairs reporter in Huntington at The Herald-Dispatch newspaper.

Most recently, Moore was recognized for her extensive coverage of the high-profile Natalie Cochran murder trial for The Register-Herald. She was also a featured journalist in a special episode of 20/20, which focused on the trial.

Having developed a reputation in the community as a fair and accurate reporter, Moore said she’s looking forward to bringing those same values to her new role.

“As I transition into my new role, I hope to build on that trust and the community relationships I’ve formed,” Moore said. “As a reporter, I’ve spent a lot of time covering the wonderful work the NRGRDA does and I’m excited to now be on the other side, actively contributing to their initiatives that drive growth and impact in our community.” Belcher said the Policy and Government Outreach Coordinator will support government relations, community outreach, and policy initiatives. “This new position serves as a key liaison between NRGRDA, government agencies, community stakeholders, and the public to ensure alignment with strategic goals and effective communication,” she said.

Key responsibilities of the position hone in on policy and advocacy; community outreach and stakeholder engagement; Journalism, communications, and digital engagement; and program support and coordination to support NRGRDA’s mission.

“NRGRDA must constantly thread the needle with our advocacy and outreach at the local, state and national levels,” said Belcher. “Our growth of pending projects, programs, and robust network of relationships amidst transitions at the state and federal government make Jozy’s addition very timely.”

About New River Gorge Regional Development Authority: The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority’s (NRGRDA) mission is to initiate, facilitate and support the economic and community development efforts within the counties of Fayette, Nicholas, Raleigh, and Summers. More can be found at https://nrgrda.org/

The West Virginia Hive – NRGRDA’s entrepreneurial arm – offers professional technical assistance for new and existing business owners throughout a 13-county region of southern West Virginia. Learn more at wvhive.com