The Harvest Foundation Board of Directors welcomed three new members – Travis Hodge of Martinsville, Sharon Ortiz-García of Critz, and Anne Smith of Martinsville.
Each member brings a diverse set of talents, skills, and unique perspectives to the board.
Harvest President Kate Keller said she is encouraged by the expertise these new members bring to the foundation and is excited to see how they use their abilities to shape the future of investments in Martinsville-Henry County.
“We look for board members who share our passion and drive to make Martinsville-Henry County a welcoming place where all can thrive,” Keller said. “Travis, Sharon, and Anne live that passion every single day through their personal and professional lives. We are grateful for their service to our community, and I look forward to working with them to create brighter futures for all in MHC.”
Smith serves as the chief administrative officer and president, domestic upholstery at Hooker Furniture in Martinsville. She said after working in Martinsville for nearly 14 years, she is excited to be more involved in the area’s resurgence.
“To be part of the great work The Harvest Foundation is doing to serve the people of Martinsville-Henry County is exciting,” Smith said. “The work is making a real difference in the lives of people who call this area home. I’m most interested in being part of real change and improvements in the areas of education, workforce readiness, affordable housing, community involvement, and equity/inclusion.”
Smith brings over 30 years of human resources and leadership experience to the board. She also serves as a board member for the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Henry County & Martinsville, Boys & Girls Club of the Blue Ridge, and Piedmont Arts. Smith received her bachelor’s degree from Mary Baldwin College.
Hodge is the human resources director for the City of Martinsville. He chose to serve on the board to shape the future of Martinsville-Henry County.
“I was honored to be asked to serve on the Harvest board,” Hodge said. “I’d like to learn more about my community and have an impact on the decisions that affect people in Martinsville-Henry County.”
Hodge brings his expertise in human resources and his perspective as an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) graduate to his service on the board. He is a board member of the United Way and is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management. Hodge received his bachelor’s degree from Virginia State University.
Ortiz-García is the senior epidemiologist at the Martinsville office for the Virginia Department of Health, West Piedmont Health District. She is happy for the opportunity to serve her community and learn more about the foundation’s work throughout Martinsville-Henry County.
“I would like to contribute to growing our efforts around economic development, health and education, especially looking at opportunities to serve our Hispanic/Latino community,” Ortiz-García said. “Our community as a whole has great potential to continue to grow, and I am excited to be part of that in my role on the Harvest Foundation’s Board of Directors.”
Ortiz-García brings her expertise in the areas of public health and disease prevention and control, as well as her knowledge of the Hispanic/Latino population to the board. She received her bachelor’s degree from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico and her master’s from the Ponce School of Medicine.
Smith is filling an unexpired term on the board and will start her tenure immediately. Hodge and Ortiz-García begin their service on January 1, 2022.
Visit www.theharvestfoundation.org to learn more about the foundation and its role in serving Martinsville-Henry County.
