Executive Board
ShenValley YPA is currently managed by a board of seven local Young Professionals. Coming from diverse backgrounds and experiences, we each bring new ideas, skills, and passion as the backbone of YPA. Check out our incredible team!
Emily Jordan
President
I was raised in Shenandoah County, VA. After years of attending summer camps at JMU growing up, I decided to officially become a Duke and graduated with my Business Management degree in 2019. I am a Credit Analyst for Blue Ridge Bank and am currently a second year student in the LSU Graduate School of Banking Program. I enjoy being outdoors, playing sports, and spending time with friends and family. I love being involved in the community and have a passion for meeting new people and connecting others.
A network such as ShenValley YPA, where young professionals can connect with each other and their community has been a dream of mine and it would not be possible without our dedicated Executive Board, support of the community, and participation from our Young Professionals!
Derek Hess
Vice-President
I’ve lived in Harrisonburg for most of my life and found that I love the Shenandoah Valley and its convenient access to nature. I stuck around to get my degree from James Madison University and now I’m on the financial planning team with Hess Financial.
YPA is special to me because it’s a consistent social outlet for young professionals in our area. I’m always excited to meet new people and reconnect with friends each month!
In my free time, you will find me mountain biking, playing basketball and going on adventures with my rescue dog, Remy.
Bryn McIntyre Rankin
Secretary
Originally from Minnesota, I moved to The Valley to go to James Madison University for my undergraduate career. After receiving my degree, I started working at Appeal Production, where I still am today! Soon after, I went to Bridgewater College to get my Masters in Digital Media Strategy, and never looked back. Now my husband and I officially call Harrisonburg and the surrounding area our home.
I am passionate about what we do here at ShenValley YPA because I think it can be hard to meet young professionals in the area post graduation when you don’t know where to look. Seeing all of the new connections and friendships that are made at our events makes everything so worthwhile!
In my free time, I love playing catch in the backyard with my two dogs, Callahan and Dakota, and snuggling with my cat, Aspen. I also enjoy traveling to new places, going hiking in the National Park, and spending time on a variety of fun house renovation projects.
Finn Callahan
Marketing
I grew up in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. I went to Marshall University where I studied Business Admin and minored in Marketing. I moved to Harrisonburg in January of 2022.
YPA is amazing to me because after moving here it allowed me to make friends with people my age. One more thing about me is I like pickles.
Jordan Wood
Marketing
A Shenandoah Valley native, I’ve always loved living in this area and exploring everything that the Valley has to offer. I stayed local for university, going to James Madison University to get my Communications degree. Now I work at WHSV-TV3 as the Digital Marketing Coordinator, doing all things digital advertising. As well as getting to work next to my best friend Finn.
I hopped on the Young Professionals train early on, and I have seen so much amazing growth and development within this group in just a year. We have so many wonderful regulars now, and I always see at least one or two new faces at every event. This is an exciting time to be a ShenValley Young Professional!
In my free time, you’ll probably find me stargazing with one of my telescopes, performing in a local theater production, or walking my cat Mittens (yes, cats like walks too).
Arushi Sachan (she/her)
Events
Third culture kid, born & lived in Dubai, UAE, and ethnically Indian, I moved to US in 2014 to go to James Madison University. I got my degree in technical writing and have since then worked in writing, social media & events planning/coordination.
I’ve wanted a group that brought young professionals (outa school/college) together. Back in college I was so involved in extracurriculars and saw it as a way to grow my network, but didn’t find a similar “mode of networking” once I graduated. Hence, here I am - helping fill this niche along with a brilliant group of visionaries!
Fun fact about me - I’ve had the privilege to travel to 15 countries, and used to own a travel blog “Trot with Arushi” which led me to contribute in Conde Nast Traveler & The Odyssey, create a bunch of sponsored content, and earn a scuba divers license.
Ashlyn Johns
Events
I moved to Harrisonburg in 2016 when I started school at James Madison University. After graduating in 2020, I stayed for graduate school. In May of 2022, I received my M.A. in Communication and Advocacy with a focus in Environmental Communication. I now work in Sustainability & Strategic Initiatives with Massanutten Resort, and am also an Assistant Wedding Coordinator with Little Acorn Events.
I have grown to love the Shenandoah Valley. Right when I was starting to look for and question Harrisonburg’s young professional network, YPA was forming and I got involved. I am passionate about creating community and a space for shared experiences.
In my free time, I like to get outside (snowboarding, running, hiking, surfing), support local live music, and travel as much as possible.