Meet the team
Dani Poe
Director of Economic Development
Dani Poe is dedicated to fostering economic growth within Franklin County, focusing her efforts on connecting businesses with the vital resources that they require.
Poe previously served in the role of assistant director of economic development in Roanoke County where she was responsible for real estate development, business retention and expansion, and key community partnerships. Before joining Roanoke County, she was business manager for the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission, economic development specialist for Downtown Roanoke, Inc., and worked in real estate and property management.
Poe is 2024 chair of Leadership Roanoke Valley and was named to the 2024 “40 under 40” by the Roanoker magazine. She is a graduate of Radford University and will graduate from the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute program this month.
Email: dani.poe@franklincountyva.gov
Phone: 540-482-6699
Karli Foster
Business, Retention, & Expansion and Workforce Manager
Karli Foster has been named the new Business Retention & Expansion and Workforce Manager for Franklin County. Foster comes from Roanoke County, where she served as an Economic Development Specialist.
In her role in Roanoke County, Foster led marketing efforts, established workforce development programs, and coordinated various local and regional events to support economic growth. She has a proven track record in building strong relationships with local businesses and brings a wealth of experience in business retention, community engagement, and workforce development.
Foster is a graduate of James Madison University with a Master of Public Administration and holds a Bachelor of Science in Public and Urban Affairs from Virginia Tech. She served as an intern in Franklin County in 2021. She will begin her new position on August 1, 2024.