DANVILLE, Va. (WSET) — Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced Virginia’s first director of outdoor recreation during a visit to Danville following the groundbreaking of Avio in Pittsylvania County.
Heather Barrar will fill the newly created position. Spanberger and Danville leaders say the role will help strengthen Virginia’s outdoor recreation industry and support tourism across the state.
Spanberger chose Danville for the announcement, pointing to the city as an example of how investments in outdoor recreation can attract visitors and benefit local communities.
“It helps develop economies, creates jobs. It increases rural prosperity, improves public health outcomes and quality of life,” Spanberger said.
Spanberger said the new position will build on those efforts and help continue growing outdoor recreation and tourism throughout Virginia.
“Virginia is for outdoor lovers. And outdoor recreation isn’t just important to our quality of life — it’s important to our economy,”said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “Few industries offer the same opportunity to advance so many of Virginia’s priorities at once. Heather Barrar is the right person to lead this work, and I’m grateful she’s taking it on.”
Outdoor recreation generated $14.4 billion to Virginia’s economy in 2024, supporting 126,000 jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
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Shes obviously a relative of Spanburger . Almost a twin .
Virginia became a state on June 25, 1788. It has never and will never need a Director of Outdoor Recreation. God has that all under complete control. I bet she will be paid more than a paramedic that saves lives every day. What an absolute liberal wet dream.