Our Staff
Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc. Staff
Karl T. Heck
President and CEO
Karl oversees the organization and its activities, and also focuses on administration of economic and industrial development activities throughout the City and County that retain and attract businesses, expand the local tax base and market the community to businesses and workers. He also represents Franklin Southampton regionally and beyond to foster business development and growth.
Karl received his M.S. from the University of Toronto in Urban Planning with a concentration in Community and Economic Development, and his B.A. from Le Moyne College in Economics and Political Science.
Contact: kheck@franklinsouthamptonva.com
Ashley C. Covington
Marketing and Existing Business Manager
Ashley received her B.S. from Longwood University in Business Administration. She is a member of the Downtown Franklin Association Board of Directors and she was awarded a 2015 and 2016 Virginia Economic Development Association scholarship.
Contact: acovington@franklinsouthamptonva.com
Lauren V. Sloan
Business Development Manager
Lauren serves as the Business Development Manager for Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc., focusing on recruitment of entrepreneurs to the Franklin Business Center. Lauren also represents Franklin Southampton with regional Tourism initiatives.
Lauren received her B.A. from Palm Beach Atlantic University in Communication Studies. She sits on the Membership Committee for tHRive, the Young Professionals organization of the Hampton Roads Chamber.
Contact: lsloan@franklinsouthamptonva.com
Emily E. Ballance
Administrative Assistant
Emily serves as the Administrative Assistant for Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc. and assists with the day to day operations of the Franklin Business Center. She also plays a key role in marketing projects related to the Franklin Business Center and the Visit Franklin Southampton VA brands.
Emily graduated with her Associate's Degree from Paul D. Camp Community College focusing on General Studies.
Contact: admin@franklinsouthamptonva.com