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Meet Laura Walters

Resource Development Committee

Laura was born and raised in Galax with family from there and Bridle Creek and have lived in some part of Southwest Virginia all her life. Her family built one of the first cabins on Claytor Lake and she spent most weekends and summers there growing up. She attended RU graduating in 1977 with a BS in Business and Psychology and MS in Psychology in 1980. Laura married Jeff Arnold and lives on Claytor Lake with her family, dogs, and various pets.

Laura’s work background included working for Mt Rogers Mental Health Services Board and both teaching and counseling at National Business College, Wytheville Community College and New River Community College. She founded Career Directions, a business consulting and outplacement firm in 1989, working there until retiring in 2011. She believes in giving back and have always done volunteer work, serving on various boards and organizations. She have volunteered with Galax, Wythe, and Pulaski County Humane Society, serving as President in Pulaski for two years. Laura also served several years on the Mount Rogers Community Services Board representing Pulaski County.

Her current volunteer work includes serving as President of FOCL (Friends of Claytor Lake) of which she has been involved since 2001, serving on the Library Board as Past President, Financial Officer United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 83 of Claytor Lake, Clean Community Council Vice Chair, Friends of Peak Creek Board, Sea Scouts Advisory Board, Boating Safety Instructor for VA DGIF, and serving on Claytor Lake Technical Advisory Committee. Hobbies and interests include Wildlife Rehabilitation, Siberian husky rescue, outdoors, travel, reading, biking, and all water sports.