by Carla Bream
Grassroots free-market group Americans for Prosperity (AFP) has appointed Trixie Averill, Roanoke resident and long-time grassroots organizer, as the new Virginia State Director.
“Averill has played an influential role in Virginia’s conservative turnaround,” said Tim Phillips, president of Americans for Prosperity. “She’s a great example of how conservatives can be community organizers, too. We’re proud that she will be the one to hold the line during Virginia’s crucial budget battle.”
Averill is no stranger to the Western part of Virginia, where she has worked on the political campaigns of several candidates for the last 20 years. She has built a strong network of activists throughout western Virginia, from the Shenandoah Valley to the Cumberland Gap who have stood with her on tough issues like a balanced budget and health care. She has also been successful at grassroots lobbying for various consulting firms over the years.
Outside of politics, Averill is well connected in her community. She currently serves on the Boards of the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitor Bureau and the Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority. Before that, she served on the Board of the Virginia Tourism Corporation for seven years. She spends her free time volunteering for two animal rescue groups, Westie Rescue and several all breed dog transports.
“Virginia has the potential to be one of the most economically competitive states in the country,” said Averill. “The Virginia chapter of Americans for Prosperity is ready to organize its members to urge the governor and legislature to rein in wasteful spending and get a hold of the state’s unsustainable budget.”
Averill currently lives in Roanoke with her husband, Dan, and has two grown children and three grandchildren.
