White retiring from Tourism Director role

Patriot Staff Report

Pulaski County’s first Tourism Director is retiring.

County Administrator Jonathan Sweet reported Thursday morning that Peggy White has alerted him of her intention to retire from the tourism position.

Her retirement will be effective July 28, 2023.

Peggy White“Although I am saddened, I am also excited and happy for you having reached this milestone,” Sweet told White in a letter acknowledging her decision to retire.

“Looking back over  your career and what you have achieved and have been a big part of, is truly affirmation that you have served your community with distinction and should be proud of all you have accomplished,” Sweet continued.

In her retirement letter, White said, “Having been a part of the working community in Pulaski County for over thirty years has been an honor. During this time, projects and programming that have included involvement with small business, manufacturers, Pulaski YMCA, the Chamber of Commerce, and much more, as well as having had the opportunity to end my career as the tourism director has given me the greatest sense of pride.”

“Tourism has provided an opportunity to promote and share how beautiful our area is and what awesome citizens we have! It’s a community that is naturally beautiful with the lakes, the mountains, and all the trails, and it is a community made up of genuine, hardworking people who embrace visitors and guests and welcome them into the community. It is like nothing I have ever experienced anywhere else,” White said.

“I am truly blessed to have been given this opportunity to work for the people of Pulaski County, a community I sincerely love,” she continued.

White officially began her work as the county’s first Tourism Director on Jan. 4, 2021.

White has a degree from Hollins University in Business and Economics. Before entering the tourism post, White led the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce as its Executive Director since 2008. She also served as the Designated Marketing Official (DMO) for Tourism from 2008 to present her hiring as tourism director.

White has also served the community as a Board Member to the Lewis-Gale Hospital, SWVA United Way, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Rotary Club of Pulaski, Pulaski Grow, Bike Virginia, People Inc., Pulaski Encouraging Progress Steering Committee and the Pulaski County Partners Coalition. Peggy was a recipient of the Golden Apple Award from the Pulaski County Public Schools, received the Wall Street Journal Award and an award from the Economic Honorary Society.