Lydeana Martin Honored with Sandy Ratliff Community Champion Award
This summer, Lydeana Martin, AICP, MBA, Community & Economic Development Director for Floyd County, attended the annual Southwest Virginia Economic Forum, held at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise), alongside other community leaders, economic development professionals and regional stakeholders. While Martin joined to advance strategies for economic diversification and growth through regional collaboration just as others did, she departed the day with a very special honor. At the Forum, Martin was presented with the Sandy Ratliff Community Champion Award.
The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to economic and community development across the region. It honors the legacy of the late Sandy Ratliff, who devoted most of her career to supporting community and economic development throughout Southwest Virginia in a wide range of personal and professional capacities.
A lifelong resident of Floyd County, Martin has dedicated more than two decades to advancing community and economic development initiatives, both locally and regionally, that have strengthened the region’s economy, improved infrastructure, expanded housing opportunities and enhanced quality of life for residents. Her recognition reflects both her professional accomplishments and her enduring commitment to ensuring Floyd County remains a place where residents can live, work and thrive.
An alumna of both the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech, including graduate work with the Virginia Center for Housing Research, Martin has played a pivotal role in securing and managing more than 70 awarded grants focused on economic development, infrastructure, housing and community revitalization.
“Martin’s work exemplifies the spirit of the Sandy Ratliff Community Champion Award,” said Shannon Blevins, UVA Wise vice chancellor for strategic engagement and government relations. “Her vision, dedication and collaborative leadership, both within Floyd County and across regional economic development initiatives, made her a clear choice for this distinguished recognition.”
Under Martin’s leadership and guidance, Floyd County embraced a vision centered on preserving the community’s unique character while creating sustainable growth opportunities. Working alongside residents, elected officials, state agencies and community partners, Martin helped chart a roadmap for revitalization that has contributed to renewed investment in Floyd, expanded support for small businesses and improved access to critical services, including healthcare resources in what had previously been a medically underserved area of the Commonwealth.
Her work has helped position Floyd County as a model for thoughtful rural development rooted in community identity and long-term sustainability.
The Southwest Virginia Economic Forum continues to serve as a platform for regional collaboration and innovation, bringing together leaders from across Southwest Virginia to celebrate progress and chart the future of the region’s economy and communities. The Sandy Ratliff Community Champion award celebrates the collaborative and innovative spirit embodied by recipients like Martin.
The 2027 Southwest Virginia Economic Forum is scheduled for May 20, 2027, at UVA Wise.