Briefs: Piedmont Arts receives $14,000; Carter Bank becomes State Member Bank; Dillard joins WPPDC; Keys named VP at Hooker Furnishings

Piedmont Arts receives $14,000

Piedmont Arts received a gift of $14,000 from the For Alison Foundation on Wednesday that will be used to support arts education workshops for high school students in Martinsville and Henry County.

The For Alison Foundation was established in 2016 in memory of journalist Alison Parker to give young people opportunities to experience the arts. As a child, Parker spent many hours at Piedmont Arts, where her mother, Barbara Parker, served as director of programs for 19 years.

The donation is designated to support visual arts workshops for local high school students offered through the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Statewide Workshops program. Piedmont Arts is a Statewide Partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and works closely with the museum to bring programs like these to local schools each year, a release stated.

Said Piedmont Arts Executive Director Heidi Pinkston: "We are honored to partner with the For Alison Foundation to continue Alison's legacy. Her early experiences at Piedmont Arts shaped her love of the arts and this gift ensures that future students will have those same opportunities to grow and be inspired."

Carter Bank becomes state member bank

Carter Bankshares Inc. (Nasdaq: CARE) announced Thursday that Carter Bank, headquartered in Martinsville, has received approval to become a state member bank and be regulated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System through the Federal Reserve Bank or Richmond.

Carter Bank will continue to be regulated by the Bureau of Financial Institutions of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, according to a release.

"We're pleased with the Federal Reserve Bank's acceptance of our membership application, as this decision marks a significant step toward our future strategic objectives," said Carter Bank CEO Litz Van Dyke in the release. "We believe transitioning to Federal Reserve membership will streamline our regulatory structure and enhance our operational efficiency. Additionally, Carter Bank recently converted to a financial holding company, which provides us greater flexibility to innovate and grow. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to building on our strong, collaborative relationship with our federal and state regulators."

Carter Bankshares Inc. is the holding company for Carter Bank, a $4.8 billion, state-chartered community bank with branches in Virginia and North Carolina.

Dillard joins WPPDC

The West Piedmont Planning District Commission (WPPDC) has announced the appointment of Kiana Dillard as its new economic development specialist.

Dillard has more than 15 years experience in community engagement, youth and workforce development, education, and entrepreneurship. She holds a bachelor's degree in business and digital marketing, and previously served as the work-based learning coordinator and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville.

"We are thrilled to welcome Kiana Dillard to the WPPDC team," said WPPDC's Executive Director Michael Armbrister in a release. "Her passion for community-driven economic development, her hands-on experience, and her personal dedication to the people of this region make her a tremendous asset as we work to build a brighter future for Southern Virginia."

Keys named VP at Hooker Furnishings

Hooker Furnishings has promoted Liz Keys to senior vice president of human resources.

She will lead the company's overall human resources strategy and oversee all aspects of HR operations, including talent acquisition, performance management, total rewards, compliance, and employee relations to ensure alignment with the company's long-term business goals.

Keys joined Hooker Furnishings in 2010 and has more than 25 years of HR experience.

"Throughout her tenure, Liz has demonstrated exceptional leadership and played a pivotal role in shaping the people and culture that define who we are," said Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Hoff in a release. "Her insight and experience will be vital as we continue to build a strong, engaged workforce that supports our future growth and culture of excellence."