Fellows

Beth Doughty has had an extensive career in economic and community development. Her strengths include building consensus, developing and implementing unique strategies, fostering regionalism, strategic planning, and marketing. She was recognized as one of the top 50 economic developers in North American three times by Consultant Connect, is a former president of the Virginia Economic Developers Association, and recipient of its Cardinal Award for leadership in the field of economic development. Her career includes 23 years as executive director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership and a decade as president of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce. She is an honors graduate of the University of Virginia.

Raised in both Danville and Yanceyville, Aliyah has served in the Dan River Region community for most of her life. Aliyah served under many capacities including Bartlett Yancey Senior High School student ambassador for the Health Collaborative; secretary for the Danville NAACP Youth and College Branch; and an active leader in Vance Street Missionary Baptist Church initiatives. After receiving a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Aliyah sought to continue serving her community and providing new opportunities to uplift the region. Aliyah now serves as the Fellow for Community Development, hoping to enrich, fortify, and transform the city of Danville, Pittsylvania County, and Caswell County.

Caitlyn is a native of Caswell County and attended Patrick & Henry Community College, where she built a solid base in general studies and developed a keen interest in business and sports. She graduated from Winston-Salem State University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management with a concentration in Business & Administration, followed by a Master of Science degree in Sport Management at Western Carolina University. Caitlyn is certified in Project Management, equipping her with the strategic planning and leadership skills necessary to manage complex projects in the fast-paced world of business and management. She joined the DRF Team as an Education Fellow in June 2025.