A new chapter of leadership at Literacy NRV

Outgoing Literacy NRV Board President, Elizabeth Sensabaugh (pictured on right), celebrates with Executive Director Ginny Ayers (center), and student Jesia Gomez (left) during the 2023 LNRV Recognition Celebration

On Monday, September 22, Literacy NRV celebrated an important leadership transition. After serving on the Board since 2016, Board President Elizabeth Sensabaugh stepped down as President and the Board unanimously voted in current member Elizabeth Towson.

We are deeply grateful to Elizabeth Sensabaugh for her thoughtful leadership, steady guidance, and tireless support of Literacy NRV’s mission. During her time as President, Elizabeth helped strengthen our programs, grow our impact, and guide the organization through new opportunities for service.

Reflecting on this transition, Sensabaugh shared:

“Literacy NRV is fortunate to have Elizabeth Towson in the LNRV President role as she is prepared and extremely skilled to lead the LNRV Board into its next successful chapter. Her strong background as an executive leader complements the needs of the Board in forging new paths, recruiting members, and supporting the LNRV mission. While the LNRV staff and Board are devoted high-performers, Elizabeth is an exceptional talent who will introduce new ideas and insights that will help take the organization further. As I conclude my term in the President role, I’m delighted to see Elizabeth at the helm and anticipate many future accomplishments as a result of her guidance and influence!”

Newly elected Literacy NRV Board President Elizabeth Towson

We are thrilled to welcome Elizabeth Towson into this new role! Towson is no stranger to Literacy NRV. She first joined us as a volunteer tutor three years ago, helping both English language learners and GED students reach their goals. In 2023, she deepened her involvement by joining our Board of Directors, where her leadership, vision, and commitment have already made an impact.

As Board President, Elizabeth brings the strategic perspective of senior executive leadership, coupled with her firsthand experience as a tutor who knows the transformative power of literacy.

Here’s what Towson shared about stepping into this role:

“I am honored to serve as Board President of Literacy NRV and to advance our mission of empowering lives through literacy.  Building on the strong foundation established by Elizabeth Sensabaugh, I look forward to working with our dedicated staff, board, and volunteers to expand opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and open new doors for individuals and families across our community.”

Ginny Ayers, Executive Director, is excited about the opportunities ahead:

“I am so grateful for the leadership of Elizabeth Sensabaugh, whose energy and commitment strengthened Literacy NRV in countless ways. As we welcome Elizabeth Towson as our new Board President, I look forward to seeing her drive that momentum with fresh perspective and vision. Her heart for our students and her professional expertise make her the perfect leader to guide Literacy NRV into its next chapter.”

Please join us in thanking Elizabeth Sensabaugh for her outstanding service and in warmly welcoming Elizabeth Towson as she steps into this important leadership role!