10/14/2026
Funny thing!
We found the document that says he was director!
Tazewell Today did ya not look hard? Do some more damage control.
Contact Information:
Tazewell Today, Inc.
Tessa Farrell, Interim Executive Director
276-385-1050
[email protected]
Release Date: 10/14/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tazewell Today Announces
WHAT: Tazewell Today Issues Official Statement Addressing Recent Allegations
WHERE: Tazewell, Virginia
DETAILS: Tazewell Today Addresses Recent Allegations, Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency and Community Trust
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM TAZEWELL TODAY, INC.
Regarding Recent Public Allegations and Concerns
Tazewell Today, Inc. recognizes the seriousness of recent public allegations concerning the possible involvement of a registered s*x offender in our organization's past leadership. We understand the concerns these allegations have raised within our community and believe it is important to address this matter with transparency, factual information, and a commitment to public trust.
Our Organization's History
Tazewell Today, Inc. was founded in 2015 and earned its official Virginia Main Street designation in 2020, a designation the organization has proudly maintained.
Throughout its history, the organization has operated under different executive directors and leadership, including four Executive Directors and numerous Board Members.
We would like to clarify incorrect statements made in reference to our organization.
As part of our efforts to address these allegations, we have reviewed available historical organizational records. Unfortunately, we could not locate a complete list of board members dating back to the organization's founding. However, based on the records available for review, we did not identify the person in question on any official board membership listing. Unfortunately, records indicate that the person in question did in fact attend organizational board meetings between January and June 2020, during the tenure of a previous Executive Director and Board. While his attendance and involvement during this period are documented, we have been unable to locate official documentation establishing that he served as an appointed member of the Tazewell Today Board of Directors.
We believe it is important to distinguish between attendance at board meetings, participation in organizational activities, and formally serving as an appointed board member.
We also recognize the limitations of the historical records currently available. Our findings reflect the documentation we have reviewed and should not be interpreted as a definitive account of every individual involved with the organization throughout its history.
Furthermore, the concern raised at the recent Town Council and Board of Supervisors meeting was not brought directly to Tazewell Today. A concern was raised concerning promoting a local business and its practices. We made it clear we do not govern the practices of local businesses and discontinued the conversation when it became inappropriate.
Regarding the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors' Decision
Tazewell Today is deeply disappointed that our organization received no official communication from Tazewell County following the resolution adopted at the October 6, 2026, Board of Supervisors meeting concerning allegations involving our organization.
We are particularly concerned that a decision affecting Tazewell Today was made without first providing our organization an opportunity to present available documentation, address the allegations, or participate in a fact-finding process.
This decision has already affected our community. A longstanding, previously confirmed community event scheduled at Nuckolls Hall was canceled without the county notifying our organization.
While we respect the responsibility of elected officials to address matters of public concern, we believe decisions with significant consequences for community organizations should be based on verified information, open communication, and a fair opportunity for all parties to respond.
Our Commitment to Community Safety and Accountability
Tazewell Today fully understands and respects the public's concerns regarding the individuals entrusted with leadership positions in community organizations.
We agree that appropriate background screening of board members, officers, and committee chairs is an important measure to maintain public confidence and protect the interests of our community.
As a result, we are actively working to implement background checks for our leadership and strengthen our organizational policies and procedures to ensure greater accountability and transparency moving forward.
We also ask the community to recognize that Tazewell Today has experienced significant changes in leadership, governance, and organizational operations since 2020.
The individuals currently serving on our Board of Directors and in executive leadership were not serving in those capacities during the period in question.
No member of Tazewell Today's current Board of Directors is a registered s*x offender. We take this matter seriously and will take necessary steps to formalize appropriate screening and verification procedures to ensure these facts and show our commitment to the community’s safety and trust.
Moving Forward Together
Tazewell Today, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening our community, supporting local businesses, preserving the character of our historic downtown, and creating events and opportunities that bring people together.
Our volunteers, board members, and leadership devote countless hours to making Tazewell a better place to live, work, and visit.
We are committed to addressing concerns responsibly, establishing stronger safeguards, and continuing to serve Tazewell with integrity.
We recognize that public trust must be earned and maintained through responsible leadership, transparency, and action. We will not dismiss legitimate community concerns, nor do we believe our organization or its current leadership should be judged solely on allegations involving an individual's participation approximately six years ago, particularly when the available documentation does not establish that individual's formal board membership.
Tazewell Today recognizes outstanding attendance at our events, indicating there is no public safety concern. We sincerely appreciate the continued support of our community, volunteers, businesses, and partners.
Tazewell Today, Inc.
Committed to Our Community. Dedicated to Transparency. Focused on the Future
