Blue Ridge Chapter Board of Directors
The Boards of Directors with their combined diverse experiences are critical to assisting with strategic planning and fundraising to support the Chapters' humanitarian mission and services.
Dr. Dana Woody
Dr. Dana Woody is a Professor of Nursing at Liberty University, where she leads community and public health nursing across BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. A servant leader and advocate, she has partnered with healthcare systems, public health agencies, and nonprofits to strengthen all things community -- including resilience, disaster preparedness, and student engagement. She drives with a passion for clinicians to know their communities in support of optimal client outcomes. Dr. Woody also serves as Board Chair of the American Red Cross Historic Blue Ridge and holds leadership roles with the Virginia Nurses Association and the Salvation Army. Her scholarship focuses on health literacy, population health, and faith-based outreach, with multiple publications, grants, and conference presentations. She has been recognized with honors including the Serve Virginia “Pairing Passion with Purpose” Award (2025), the American Red Cross Leadership and Sustainer Award, and Liberty University’s Daisy Award for Teaching Excellence.
Theresa Bryan
Theresa Bryan has lived in the Blue Ridge area for over 20 years. She is currently working with Centra Health and is on the road most days visiting medical facilities and providers. Theresa is currently the Vice Chair of our Board and has been a Board member for two years. When she is not working or volunteering, she can be found in her beautiful garden growing flowers, herbs and vegetables.
Shelby Irving
Shelby Irving was raised in Danville VA and is the youngest of seven children. She graduated from Tunstall High School in 1979. She is a 1984 graduate of Ferrum College with a Bachelor of Science degree. While attending Ferrum she also played competitive basketball and softball. Immediately after graduating Ferrum, Shelby worked with Danville Parks & Recreation for 2 years. Her love for sports led to a 15-year career coaching basketball & softball at Averett University
In 1987 Shelby took a leap of faith and interviewed for the otherwise male dominated field known as the Danville Fire Department. Her tenacity and faith led to her becoming the first female firefighter for the City of Danville. She is the first African American Chief Officer, and currently the highest-ranking African America officer in the fire department. She spent 16 years as a firefighter at fire station three on Industrial Avenue. In 2004, Shelby was promoted to Assistant Fire Marshal. In 2007 Shelby was promoted to /Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal. In 2022 Shelby was promoted to Division Chief/Fire Marshal. Shelby has been in the Fire Marshal’s office for 19 years.
Shelby is now serving as the Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction for the Danville Fire Department. She is certified by the State of Virginia as a Fire Investigator, Inspector, and Fire and Life Safety Officer. Shelby is known for hosting a local television show “Fire Watch” which was broadcasted on local government channel 10 River City TV. In 1996 she was honored as the “Outstanding Young Firefighter of the Year”. In 2005, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Danville Community College with an associate degree in Fire Science. She was also inducted into their Honor Society. In 2006, she was honored as “Firefighter of the Year by American Legion post 1097. In 2010, Shelby graduated Leadership Southside. In 2010 she was honored by DCC as one of their Outstanding Alumni. In 2012, she received the Ruby Archie Excellence in Leadership Award by Evince Magazine. In 2019, she received he the Martin Luther King Jr. America’s Sunday Supper Award. On January 20, 2020, Shelby was recognized by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity for Outstanding Service to the Danville Community. January 27, 2020, Shelby received the Community Strong Person of the Year Award given by URW Credit Union. In 2021 Shelby was inducted into the Ferrum College Sports Hall of Fame. In 2022 Shelby graduated from the VA Law Enforcement Academy, obtaining police powers. In 2022 Shelby was honored as the 2022 Woman of the Year by the NAACP. In 2024 she received the Legend in the Community Award for service in the community by Alpha PHI ALPHA Fraternity, INC.
Shelby serves on numerous boards throughout the community, Danville Pittsylvania Community Services as past Chairperson, God’s Storehouse Board President, Averett University Nursing Advisory Board, Danville Community College Alumni Council past President, Hughes Memorial Foundation Board of Directors, Community Improvement Council (Head Start) Board Member, Festival in the Park Board, Co-Chair of the Harry Johnson Holiday Classic, YMCA Board President, Boys and Girls Club Safety Committee, and the Red Cross.
For the past 33 years, she has held the position of Treasurer and/or Finance Secretary at her home Church, Jones Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Shelby is and always has been highly active in the community and her church. Always willing to lend a hand, and eager to get the job done. Her faith is strong, and she finds her strength in God. When she is not working, she enjoys, attending sporting events, shopping, flea markets, relaxing at her lake house, or spending time with her precious Godson “JaShawn.” Shelby just started her 39th year with the Danville Fire Department and still enjoying every minute of it.
Teddy Martin
Teddy Martin has been a Red Cross donor and volunteer since 2014. He organizes blood drives each July and December in memory of his aunt Brenda Riggins, a lifelong Red Cross donor, which have led to more than 1,000 donations in her memory across the past decade. He has also served on the Disaster Action Team since 2016 and as a Board Member since 2024.
In his day job, Teddy is the Human Resources Director for GENEDGE, Virginia's Manufacturing Extension Partnership, headquartered in Martinsville. Inspired to serve by his four younger siblings, Teddy has also served on the Henry County School Board since 2017, including as Vice Chair in 2022, and Chair in 2023, 2024, and 2025. He served as Blue Ridge Regional Chair (2018-2020) and as President-Elect (2020-2021), President (2021-2022), and Immediate Past President (2022-2023) of the Virginia School Boards Association. He has earned the VSBA Award of Distinction each year he has served as well as the Blue Ridge Regional Member of the Year in 2020 and the Advocate for Education Award in 2024. He is also a member of his local Lions, Rotary, and Ruritan service clubs.
Teddy is a graduate of Patrick & Henry Community College, Old Dominion University, and Western Governors University, where he obtained a Master's in Management and Leadership in 2022.
Michael Cortez
Michael’s current role is the CFO of Foster Fuels, leading the organizations finance department as a seasoned leader with an impressive track record spanning over three decades in various business and leadership roles domestically and internationally. A Marine Corps veteran, who has leveraged his experience to establish a robust foundation of more than 20 plus years in corporate accounting, financial internal controls, and operational auditing across a spectrum of industries, ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to small businesses, He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his team. He is motivated by a commitment to create positive impacts in business and his community.
Becky Keaton
I have a deep passion for volunteering and am fortunate that my employer for the last 34 years, Genworth, encourages us and gives us the opportunity to volunteer. While having taken on various roles at Genworth, I am currently a Business Systems Analyst in Shared Services for the IT department.
I'm happy that I’ve recently become a board member for the Blue Ridge Chapter of the American Red Cross. My involvement with the Red Cross already spans over 30 years, with multiple blood drives and donations.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my new role is learning more about the extensive services the American Red Cross provides not only in times of disasters; both large and small, locally, and globally; but also, their day-to-day operations. I am continually amazed by the organization's reach and impact. Their dedication to aiding those in need is truly inspiring, and I am looking forward to contributing in any way I can.
Scott Campbell
A proud former United States Marine Corps aviation electrician who maintained Harrier jump jets. Scott Campbell went on to found and build a successful electronic recycling asset recovery and reuse company dedicated to responsible e-waste management and environmental stewardship.
After exiting entrepreneurship, he has channeled his leadership, discipline, and problem-solving skills into community revitalization. He is passionate about creating vibrant, inclusive, and thriving neighborhoods. He also works tirelessly to strengthen local business districts, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and make downtown Lynchburg welcoming and prosperous for everyone.
Veteran, entrepreneur, and community champion — he believes that when people come together with purpose, any community can become a better place for all.
Twyla Grasty
Twyla Grasty is a proud native of Danville, Virginia and a 2011 graduate of George Washington High School. She continued her education at Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Decatur, Georgia before completing additional studies at Averett University in her hometown of Danville.
Twyla is currently employed with Danville Public Schools as a Security Specialist, where she is dedicated to fostering a safe, supportive, and structured environment for students and staff. Alongside her commitment to education and safety, she serves on the administration team at ReFreshing Church in Roanoke, Virginia, contributing her leadership and organizational strengths to ministry operations.
Deeply invested in her community, Twyla has served for three years as a Board Member for the American Red Cross – Blue Ridge Chapter. Known for her willingness to step in wherever help is needed, she is passionate about service, outreach, and building strong community connections.
In her spare time, Twyla enjoys attending local events, listening to music, and finding new ways to engage with the people and places that have shaped her journey.
Jessica Clarkson
Jessica Clarkson is the Senior Relationship Manager for Virginia Credit Union where she has worked since 2013 (formally Member One Federal Credit Union) serving their 900+ partner organizations in the area. Jessica is a member of the Lynchburg Morning Rotary Club, served as an Ambassador for the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance for over 10 years, and served on the Academy Center of the Arts Board of Directors from 2019-2025. She was recognized as one of Lynchburg Living Magazine’s “Millennials on the Move”. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, playing golf, reading, and baking.