ABINGDON, Va., August 21, 2024 — A longtime leader in the real estate industry and an experienced financial advisor have joined the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia Board of Directors.
Stephen D. Spangler serves as Executive Vice President of Real Estate, Store Planning and Development for K-VA-T Food Stores Inc. (Food City). In this position, he oversees K-VA-T’s strategic real estate initiatives as well as the day-to-day administration of its diverse group of real estate holdings. Stephen’s prior real estate experience includes serving as a development officer for The Beach Company of Charleston, South Carolina, and as development manager for Johnson & Associates of Bristol, Virginia.
“I am excited to be in a position to help fulfill the Wellspring Foundation mission of fostering transformative and positive changes in the communities it serves,” Spangler said. “To be able to work with this organization and enhance its unique ability to positively impact the greater region where we all live and work is significant, and I am sincerely appreciative of the opportunity.”
Mike McCool, a Southwest Virginia native, is managing director for Cary Street Partners, in Abingdon, Virginia. As a financial advisor, Mike enjoys helping individuals and families reach their financial goals, including retirement, education and estate planning. He began his career in 2004 as an investment advisor representative at Highlands Union Bank in Abingdon.
“I am invested in our area. I grew up here, have my business here and love it here,” McCool said. “I believe in the Wellspring Foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life in Southwest Virginia and am looking forward to being a productive member of the board, helping to execute on the Foundation’s mission as well as learning as much as I can from the wealth of knowledge on our board and in the organization.”
Marvin Gilliam, Chair of the Wellspring Foundation Board, expressed enthusiasm about the new appointees saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Spangler and Mr. McCool to our Board of Directors. Mr. Spangler’s leadership in the real estate industry and Mr. McCool’s deep understanding of financial planning will enrich our board’s capacity to navigate the diverse community challenges we aim to address. We are confident that their contributions will significantly enhance our efforts to create lasting, positive change.”
Sean McMurray, Executive Director of the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia, added, “Their combined expertise will be a tremendous asset as we continue to advance our mission. I’m certain their insights will provide critical perspectives that will help us navigate the complexities of our work and maximize our impact. I am excited to collaborate with them as we strive to foster positive change in our communities.”
The Wellspring Foundation Board, with its two newest members, is dedicated to supporting the residents of Washington, Grayson, Russell and Smyth counties in Southwest Virginia. Through grant funding and strategic partnerships, the Wellspring Foundation will continue to address the challenges facing this region, including those related to health, children and families, workforce and economic development and education.
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About the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia
Established in the fall of 2021, the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia exists to enhance the health and wellbeing for the Virginia residents of Washington, Grayson, Russell and Smyth counties by cultivating goal-oriented partnerships. For more information, visit www.wellspringva.org.
