Shari Davis is the Director of Rural Economic and Community Development for the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).  She grew up in Tonopah, received her degree in Anthropology from UNR, and returned to Tonopah later in life as the Tourism and Events Coordinator.  As anyone working in a small town knows, one person sometimes has to wear many hats.  In this case, she also ran the Tonopah Historic Mining Park (creating exhibits, giving tours, and writing grants), worked in economic development and historic preservation, and also managed the community swimming pool, receiving her lifeguard and pool operator certifications.  So when she says she understands the struggles and strengths of rural communities, it’s because she really has been there!  Prior to GOED, she was the Rural Programs Manager at Travel Nevada.  She currently works with 34 Main Street organizations, helping to build the environments, both built and cultural, in which small businesses and communities can thrive.  She firmly believes that the first step in creating places people want to visit is by creating places people want to live and work.