FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 30, 2026

MEGAN LUCAS NAMED IN CONSULTANT CONNECT'S "NORTH AMERICA'S TOP 50 ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS" FOR SECOND TIME

LYNCHBURG, VA – The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance is proud to announce that Megan Lucas, CEO and Chief Economic Development Officer of the Lynchburg Region, has been named to Consultant Connect's 2026 list of "North America's Top 50 Economic Developers." This marks the second time Lucas has earned a place on this prestigious national list, underscoring her continued excellence and impact in the economic development profession. Consultant Connect, a consulting agency dedicated to bridging the gap between economic developers and site location consultants, presents this annual recognition to honor outstanding economic development professionals nominated by their peers in both the economic development and site consulting industries. Honorees are selected for their exemplary leadership, innovative strategies, and measurable impact in building thriving communities.

Alliance Board Chair, Steve Lamanna, VP & Market President, Truist, had this to say about Megan Lucas, "Megan's recognition is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the Lynchburg Region. Her strategic vision and tireless dedication to growing our local economy makes her an invaluable leader. The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance is fortunate to have her at the helm, and we couldn't be more proud of this well-deserved recognition."

Under Lucas's leadership, the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance has worked to attract, retain, and grow businesses across the Lynchburg Region, working collaboratively with regional public and private partners to generate new jobs and expanding economic opportunity for the communities the Alliance serves. Her inclusion on this list for the second time is a testament to the region's growing profile as a competitive destination for business investment and talent.

Nina Rezai, Director of Economic Development for Campbell County also stated, “On behalf of the RED (Regional Economic Development) Team I am so proud to see Megan Lucas recognized among North America’s Top 50 leaders in the profession. Her tenacity, ability to forge meaningful connections, and her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact set her apart. She is a driving force for regional progress, and the Lynchburg area is stronger, more collaborative, and more forward-looking with her at the helm of our regional organization. We are so privileged to have her talent among us and are glad the country can see this recognition too.”

The 2026 Top 50 recipients will be officially recognized and presented with their awards during the ECONOMIX event, hosted by Consultant Connect on November 10 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Beginning June 5, Consultant Connect will highlight each honoree on LinkedIn, creating a platform for peer-to-peer learning and recognition.

For more information about Consultant Connect's "North America's Top 50 Economic Developers" list, visit consultantconnect.org. For more information about the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, please visit LynchburgRegion.org, and its economic development efforts, visit YesLynchburgRegion.org.

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Since 1883, the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, formerly the Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, has worked to promote regional economic growth and to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of the Lynchburg Region. The Alliance has been accredited since 1973 and recognized nationally with a select number of Chambers for our 20+ Year U.S. Chamber of Commerce Accreditation and Five-Star Rating since 2006. In 2025, the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance also earned Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) accreditation, becoming 1 of 92 organizations worldwide to achieve this certification from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

The Alliance represents Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell Counties; the Towns of Altavista, Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Brookneal; and the City of Lynchburg.

If you would like more information, please contact Hayden Regitz at (434) 845-5966 or email at hregitz@lynchburgregion.org.

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About Consultant Connect

Consultant Connect works to bridge the gap between leading economic developers and site location consultants through exclusive networking events, educational services and leadership development. Consultant Connect not only gives economic developers an inside look into the world of site selection – it gives them the applicable information necessary to propel their careers and communities forward. For more information, please visit www.consultantconnect.org.