Meet Our Staff
At the Charleston Area Alliance, our dedicated team works every day to strengthen the region’s economy and enhance quality of life. With expertise in business development, community engagement, and strategic partnerships, our staff is passionate about helping businesses grow, supporting entrepreneurs, and creating opportunities that make the Charleston region thrive.
Mara Boggs
President & CEO
mboggs@charlestonareaalliance.org
Mara brings nearly 30 years of leadership and public service experience to the Alliance, along with an energetic dedication to enact positive and collaborative change in the region. She is a combat Veteran, having served in the Army as an active duty officer. She also worked in the United States Senate for 13 years, focusing on economic development, policy, and constituent services issues. She holds undergraduate degrees from West Virginia University and master’s degrees from Wake Forest and the University of Missouri.
Paula Sims
Vice President of Administration & Operations
psims@charlestonareaalliance.org
Paula works directly with the President/CEO. She brings a tremendous amount of experience to the Alliance after working 30+ years in the chemical industry and higher education. In addition to working with the President/CEO, Paula assists the staff with various requests, schedules meetings, and manages logistics for several Alliance events.
Susie Salisbury
Senior Vice President & Community Development
ssalisbury@charlestonareaalliance.org
Susie leads the Community Development Division for the Alliance and has over 40 years of community development experience. She assists with community planning, project and grant development, leadership development and is very active with many area nonprofits. She holds an MBA and is a certified Economic Development Finance Professional.
Debbie James
Chief Financial Officer
djames@charlestonareaalliance.org
Debbie brings 30+ years of accounting and financial management experience to the Alliance. She is responsible for all aspects of finance for the organization, including budgeting, strategy development and implementation, and employee benefits, as well as risk management and regulatory compliance.
Andrew “Drew” Dunlap
Vice President of Economic Development
adunlap@charlestonareaalliance.org
Drew leads the Alliance’s economic development efforts and activities. He is responsible for business recruitment and retention efforts, workforce and entrepreneurial development, and coordination with government and related entities on economic projects. Drew also serves as the Alliance Incubator liaison. Drew has nearly two decades of experience working in the economic development field.
Victoria Russo
Vice President of Business Retention & Expansion
vrusso@charlestonareaalliance.org
Victoria supports existing industries in the Kanawha Valley by connecting businesses to resources and potential customers. She helps companies find non-traditional workforce pools and supports a collaborative effort to improve business-to-business transactions within the region.
Sylvia Asbury
Vice President of Development
sasbury@charlestonareaalliance.org
Sylvia focuses on driving strategic growth, supporting a positive workplace culture, and delivering outstanding membership services that serve both members and the mission of the Alliance. At the Alliance, Sylvia oversees membership and investor services by cultivating meaningful partnerships and collaborations. She supports organizational modernization efforts and works closely with the CEO to advance strategic initiatives and change, and a positive workplace culture.
Erin Noon
Director of Communications & Events Coordinator
enoon@charlestonareaalliance.org
Erin creates and implements communication strategies and events that advance the Alliance’s mission to create jobs, enhance our community and invest in people.
She is your contact for programs such as Up Next Charlie West, Charleston Roots, Elevations Luncheon’s, and more.
Ria Terrell
Assistant Vice President of Administration & Operations
mterrell@charlestonareaalliance.org
Ria provides administrative support to ensure the efficient operation of the Alliance office. She brings over 15 years of experience from the medical and community development industry
Maria Belcher
Community Development Manager
mbelcher@charlestonareaalliance.org
Maria works directly with our VP of Community Development to plan and implement a variety of programs in our community.
Partner With Us
The Charleston Area Alliance is committed to helping your business succeed. We offer personalized guidance, site selection support, and connections to workforce development resources.
Let’s explore what incentives your business can take advantage of—contact us today to start the conversation.