The Town of Vinton is pleased to announce the selection of Mandy Adkins as Director of
Cultural Placemaking and Events, filling a key position within the Town’s Leadership Team and
overseeing the operations of the Department of Community Programs.
Adkins recently accepted the position after an extensive search and is anticipated to start
employment with the Town on April 8, 2024.
She previously served from 2014 through 2020 as Director of Youth and Community Programs
for San Antonio Sports, where she oversaw dozens of city-wide community recreation programs,
serving over 200,000 participants annually and was responsible for numerous mid and large-
scale special events, including hosting the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four.
Since January 2021, Adkins has served as the Director of Parks and Recreation in Botetourt
County, where she was responsible for a comprehensive slate of community recreation programs
and events, including youth athletics, the senior/accessible transportation service, community
parks, and a sports complex.
Adkins grew up in Craig County and is a graduate of Craig County High School. She received
her bachelor’s degree in Sport and Recreation Management and a master’s degree in Sport and
Recreation Leadership, both from James Madison University.
“I am honored to have been selected to serve the Vinton community in the role of Director of
Cultural Placemaking and Events,” said Adkins. “Vinton is a thriving community with so many
great programs, community events and successful businesses. I am looking forward to getting to
know the residents and businesses and helping to create meaningful connections within the
Town.”
Her responsibilities will in part consist of working with town staff, residents, and other
community stakeholders to develop, manage, and promote recreational, cultural, and other
related special event programs associated with the Town-owned community facilities, including
the Vinton War Memorial, the Charles R. Hill Community Center, the Vinton History Museum,
and the Farmers’ Market.
“The Town was very pleased to have attracted a very impressive pool of over 80 interested
applicants and, in particular, such an experienced public servant and professional as Mandy,”
stated Town Manager Richard “Pete” Peters. “Mandy’s education and experience in local
government, event planning and recreation programming were what initially drew the hiring
team’s interest, although we quickly realized that her high character, team-first mindset,
optimistic outlook, and energetic work ethic were some of her greatest attributes.”
Adkins will also directly support the Downtown Business District by serving as the public
relations and business retention liaison, through actively working with existing and prospective
businesses, the Town’s economic development staff, the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce,
Roanoke County, and other related regional entities to enhance and maintain a welcoming and
vibrant downtown for residents, businesses, and visitors.
“Mandy has a contagious energy that I feel will captivate and inspire those around her, and her
fresh perspectives will help Vinton continue to build on our recent success and the positive
momentum that we’re experiencing,” stated Council Member Laurie Mullins. “I am very excited
to have her join the Vinton Team and see all the great things that we’ll accomplish together for
our community.”
Submitted by the Town of Vinton
