News & Stories

Amy Minnix is thrilled to have returned home. The Franklin County native and Ferrum College alum recently joined Franklin County’s Economic Development Team as the Economic Development Specialist. 

Matthew Woods grew up in Franklin County and attended Ferrum College for his undergraduate degree.  You might know him as the host of a K-12 podcast, “Leading Out The Woods,” and is the author of the children’s book series, “I Wanna Be…”.  

He has a Ph.D. from Radford University and does more than talk schools on his podcast, he’s spent his career in K-12 education. Matthew has served as a high school social studies teacher, middle and high school assistant principal, middle school principal, adjunct professor, field instructor at the collegiate level for student-teachers, keynote speaker, and educational consultant. He is currently the director of student support services at Henry County Public Schools.

Rob Leonard is the director of The Build Smart Institute, an educational organization that trains individuals for work in the construction industry. Rob and his wife grew up in Philadelphia and lived in Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Florida before settling in Franklin County, VA where they have stayed and raised their family. Rob cites the natural beauty, amazing school system, and incredible resources as reasons why Franklin County has been, and continues to be, one of the best places to live.