“I love what JTF does — we are putting money into the places that have been left behind for too long by too many people. And we are saying: we believe in you and we believe you have what it takes. We know these communities have been underinvested in and we’re trying to do our part to change that.”

Natalie joined the Just Transition Fund in 2021 and leads the Federal Access Center, where she is dedicated to empowering coal communities by helping them secure the funding needed for local economic solutions. With a passion for grassroots initiatives and a deep belief in the power of community-driven change, Natalie brings a unique blend of on-the-ground experience and strategic vision to her role.

Before joining the JTF, Natalie spent seven transformative years as the founding Executive Director of Generation West Virginia. Under her leadership, she grew the organization from a small, volunteer-run group into a powerhouse for economic and workforce development in the state. Natalie was instrumental in designing and launching innovative programs like NewForce, a tech training initiative that connects West Virginians with high-quality jobs, and the Impact Fellowship, which links young professionals with meaningful career opportunities in their home state. Her efforts didn’t stop there—Natalie also played a key role in advocating for and passing legislation that expanded broadband access and launched a new statewide initiative and to help organizations apply for federal broadband funding, enabling thousands of households to get connected and fostering entrepreneurship in rural communities.

As a former grantee of the JTF herself from her time at Generation West Virginia, she knows firsthand what it’s like to be on the receiving end of funding support and how transformative it can be. This personal journey fuels her commitment to making sure other coal communities in transition have the resources and support they need to thrive, and that no one in these communities are forgotten or left behind.

Before her time at Generation West Virginia, Natalie worked with the National Farmers Market Coalition, where she helped develop and expand food access programs like the Power of Produce, which encourages children to make healthy food choices and remains a staple in farmers markets nationwide.

Natalie’s work has earned her numerous accolades, including being named a “West Virginia Executive Young Gun” in 2018 and a “Southern Living Southerner of the Year” in 2017 and 2018. She was also a 2018 finalist for Fast Company’s “World Changing Ideas Awards” in recognition of her impact on expanding economic opportunities in West Virginia. In 2017, she was also named “West Virginia Wonder Woman.”

Natalie holds both a B.A. and an M.P.P. from the University of Virginia. When she’s not working, she’s likely dancing her heart out at trampoline and Zumba exercise classes, singing in a local choir, or reading with coffee on the porch. She currently lives in North Carolina with her wife Jordan, giant orange cat, Edgar, and tiny fluffy dog, Hoagie.

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