HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Harrisonburg-Rockingham chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has elected two new faces to the executive branch to take the visibility and capabilities of this chapter to new horizons.

According to a release, David Evans strengthens numbers as the new Vice President. Evans already serves the area as a professor of history and intercultural studies at Eastern Mennonite University as well as an associate dean for the university’s seminary. His role includes having an active voice in decision-making, influencing, and advocacy among all responsibilities for the organization’s mission.

“I am happy to serve the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Branch as Vice President. It is an honor to be a part of the NAACP’s legacy of promoting community rooted in liberation,” Evans states.

Cora Dickey got passed the torch for the responsibility of the Press and Publicity Chair after the extensive term of former chairwoman, Karen Thomas. The 29-year-old has made a home for herself in the Friendly City in the last three years while making her mark in communications. Multiple members felt that her flair for creativity and extroverted energy is just what they were looking for in this new season.

“I am blessed to have found my customized community in this area that encourages me to get involved by just being myself. There’s so much good that can be done, whether it’s taking action or bringing people together, and I’m elated to be part of the positive change people may want to see or didn’t expect,” Dickey expresses.

Engagement on the Facebook page alone has already increased by 270 percent since Dickey began contributing to content in the latter half of December. A more polished look is in the works for the website, along with expanding reach on several platforms.

The organization’s national motto is to keep advancing. Priority goals for the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Branch include increasing membership into multiple generations and improving outreach in education, political action, legal redress, and community relations.

Evans was appointed Vice President in January’s General Body Meeting and Dickey was motioned in by the executive branch. Both candidates were voted unanimously into their respective positions.