Jun 4 / OEO Staff

AppCAA Welcomes New ED Amy Bowen

Amy Bowen has been named the new Executive Director at Appalachian Community Action & Development Agency, Inc.  (AppCAA). Amy will begin her new position with AppCAA on July 1, 2025. She will replace Lisa Barton, who is retiring at the end of June.

Abe Rutherford, President of the AppCAA Board of Directors, stated, “ As AppCAA turns a new chapter in time, we are excited to have Amy come aboard as the new Executive Director of the agency.  We look forward to her taking on a new role as she continues to grow at AppCAA.”

Amy has a wealth of knowledge and a strong background in community action. She has been employed by AppCAA for over ten years and has held various positions within the organization. She holds a HUD Housing Counseling Certification, is certified to process USDA 502 loans, is a certified Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) Implementer and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration management. 

Amy has been instrumental in the success of the Financial Opportunity Center Program and the National Diaper Distribution Pilot Program  AppCAA operates. She is currently the Agency Planner and has gained many new opportunities for AppCAA with her grant writing skills.  Her work has led to many committee appointments with the Virginia Office of Community Services.  She serves on the ROMA Implementer, EmpowOr client database, and CSBG Annual Report committees. 

Amy is well respected by her colleagues and peers across the state for her work and her willingness to help other community action agencies when needed.  Amy stated: "I am very thankful for the opportunity and consider serving in this new role an honor.  I truly believe in AppCAA's mission and vision, which embodies helping the communities of Southwest Virginia become strong and self-sufficient." 

AppCAA is the community action agency for the counties of Lee, Scott, Wise, and the City of Norton.  It has served the community for the past sixty years with programs for housing, finance, health, children, and seniors.