CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Sept. 1, 2026) — Advantage Valley, Inc. announced today that Adam Phillips, CEcD, EDFP, has joined the organization as its new Director of Strategic Initiatives, bringing nearly a decade of economic development experience in the Huntington area and a strong background in business development, real estate, site development and business retention and expansion.
Phillips joins Advantage Valley following nine years with the Huntington Area Development Council (HADCO), where he served in several economic development roles, most recently as Vice President of Real Estate & Business Development. During his tenure, he worked closely with businesses, property owners, developers and public-sector partners on business expansion, industrial real estate, site development and investment opportunities in Cabell and Wayne counties.
“We are incredibly excited to have Adam join the Advantage Valley team,” said Terrell Ellis, President and CEO of Advantage Valley. “He brings strong economic development experience, a deep understanding of our region and, just as importantly, established relationships with the businesses and economic development partners we work with every day. Adam has been a valued Advantage Valley partner for many years, and we are delighted to now have his experience and perspective on our team.”
As Director of Strategic Initiatives, Phillips will support a range of Advantage Valley programs and economic development priorities, including the organization’s Expanding Markets program, business retention and expansion, business attraction, site development and research. He will work closely with local economic development organizations throughout the nine-county region, as well as the West Virginia Division of Economic Development and other regional and statewide partners.
“Adam’s addition also strengthens our ability to work directly with companies throughout the region—understanding their needs, connecting them with resources and identifying opportunities for expansion and investment,” Ellis added. “His experience in both business development and industrial real estate is particularly valuable as Advantage Valley continues to respond to significant new investment and growth across the region.”
Phillips is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council and an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP). Prior to joining HADCO, he worked in economic development with the Southern Ohio Port Authority. He earned a master’s degree from Ohio University and a bachelor’s degree from Shawnee State University.
Phillips’ move to Advantage Valley will allow him to continue working closely with HADCO while expanding his work across the Charleston-Huntington region and Advantage Valley’s nine-county service area.
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About Advantage Valley
Advantage Valley, Inc. is a regional economic development organization serving nine counties in southwestern West Virginia. The organization promotes investment in the Charleston-Huntington metropolitan region and works in partnership with local economic development organizations, the State of West Virginia and other stakeholders to attract investment, retain and grow existing businesses and jobs, develop competitive sites and support entrepreneurship throughout the region.
Contact
Terrell Ellis, President & CEO, Advantage Valley (304) 546-7323
Marjorie Cooke, Director of Marketing & Communications, Advantage Valley (304) 541-9657
