.jpg)
Main Street Buena Vista didn’t have to look far to find its new executive director. Jen Carpenter, a member of the MSBV board since its inception in 2022, was tapped last week to succeed Brooke Dalton as executive director.
Carpenter was MSBV’s first board president and has been the board’s promotion chair. She’s been an active board member who has “grown to deeply love my community through service and being involved with MSBV,” she said this week.
Dalton announced recently that she was stepping down as executive director of MSBV, after two years on the job, to become the outreach and development director for ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice.
Dalton said she is pleased to be turning over the reins of MSBV to Carpenter. “Jen has been an incredible supporter and leader within MSBV. Her welcoming spirit and deep understanding of our mission have made her the perfect fit to step into this role. I don’t know what I would have done without Jen’s support over the past two years, and I am excited to see her lead the organization into its next chapter.”
As promotions chair, Carpenter, according to Dalton, “has played a key role in promoting local businesses and organizations through MSBV’s social media channels, helping to elevate their visibility and strengthen community engagement. Additionally, she has gone above and beyond by stepping up to coordinate volunteers for MSBV events, ensuring their success and fostering a spirit of collaboration. Her dedication, enthusiasm, and leadership have been instrumental to MSBV’s success, and the organization is confident she will guide it to new heights.”
Carpenter said she “couldn’t be more excited to live in Buena Vista and be here, at this momentous season for our community.” She said she’s especially loved serving alongside other community members whom she now calls friends. “The countless efforts of so many have made MSBV possible, like Brooke Dalton and Jamie Goodin [first executive director]. Both of our past EDs and board members have set us up for success and have been invaluable mentors for me. Serving the community has enriched my life and made me feel empowered and passionate about how programs like Main Street can change a community for the good. Come be part of MSBV -- your positive efforts are needed and your efforts will make a difference.”
Dalton has worked at Southern Virginia University in the Wellness Center and Student Life, she said, “helping with healthy lifestyle promotions, service and outreach efforts. I’ve absolutely loved my time there.” She has a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from Utah State University and a master’s in family studies from Texas Woman’s University.
The mother of five, she has children in each of the four Buena Vista city schools. “I grew up out west, but my family and I chose to live in Buena Vista to raise our family,” she said. “I love reading, running outside -- I’ve run the Chessie half marathon twice, and took second for my age group in 2024 -- and I love creative writing. I’ve self-published my first fictional romantic comedy last year, inspired by Buena Vista.
“I’ve owned an e-commerce business before and I’m also one of the part-owners of a new book and plant store, Leaf and Lore, set to open soon in Buena Vista. I love our community, love raising our family here, and I’m so grateful for all the wonderful people who have invested time and resources into the area.”
CARPENTER
