As Mayor of the Town of Pearisburg, Va. and Executive Director of the Giles County Chamber of Commerce, Barbara Stafford is a busy woman meeting the demands of her various roles throughout the region.

For the past twelve years, she has served on the Pearisburg Town Council. Recently, she was sworn in as Mayor by the Council when the position became vacant mid-term. In her role on the Town Council, Barbara often encourages localities to work together, for the greater good of Giles County, and said, "Every part of Giles County that grows and prospers will help all the other parts." Currently, the Town of Pearisburg is working with Anderson & Associates on the downtown revitalization efforts, funded through Transportation Enhancement Act and Community Development Block Grant programs, as well as infrastructure improvements.

Barbara’s vision for Giles County is something she was born with, and her introduction to politics and community service started early on. As a child born and raised in Giles County, her father has served on the Board of Supervisors for many years. From 1990-1991, Barbara served in the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 5th District, which includes the counties of Bland, Giles, and Tazewell. Once her term was complete, she decided to not run for re-election, but instead returned to Giles County where her heart and three children still resided.

Prior to accepting the position of Executive Director, Barbara often volunteered for the Chamber of Commerce and throughout the community. While she fills her schedule with meetings, community events, and many other committees, Barbara put emphasis on personally visiting businesses throughout the County, talking with visitors, and welcoming new residents who have relocated to Giles County.   She knows first hand how caring the people of Giles County are when someone is in need.

Barbara gives a lot of credit to the volunteers who help the Chamber, saying "I cannot express how important my volunteers are." The Chamber hosts a number of events throughout the year, including a Golf Tournament, annual Spring and Fall Banquets, mixers, informational luncheons, and special member events.

Her focus on Giles County continues strong in everything she touches. "Giles County is growing," she said, and credits the new businesses that are opening and the vision of tourism that has been kept alive by County Administrator Chris McKlarney. "Things are happening," she said as she points out the new Tourism Map and County Guide published this year.