As Senior Director of Events & Operations, Hietala helps bring more than 3,700 meetings, programs and community events to life at the Higher Ed Center each year.

Hannah Hietala, Senior Director of Events & Operations at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, has been named to The Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA’s 2026 40 Under 40 list.

Hietala helps coordinate more than 3,700 meetings, conferences, workforce training programs, university classes, youth camps and community events at the Center each year. Her leadership supports the partners, students and visitors who come to the Higher Ed Center to learn, connect and take part in programs that serve Southwest Virginia.

Those who work with Hannah know her for the care and hospitality she brings to each interaction. Her work helps make the Center a welcoming place for education, workforce development and community engagement.

The Higher Ed Center is proud to celebrate Hannah and grateful for all she does for the Center and the region.