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My name is Tara Vance

I am a lifelong resident of Montgomery County

After graduating from Christiansburg High School, I attended Virginia Tech where I received a degree in Industrial Engineering. I spent 25 years in manufacturing, with the majority of my career being in leadership roles. While working full time, I attended Radford University where I received a Master’s degree in Business Administration and earned my Professional Engineer’s license. My parents have been a driving factor in my success. My father, Glenn Cochran, has been a prominent businessman in Christiansburg for over 55 years. And my mother, Bonnie Cochran, has spent most of her life volunteering with various organizations throughout the community. My strong work ethic and leadership skills stem from their being such positive role models.    

Vance family 2021

Dedicated to making all tax assessments fair and equitable

Over the past few years, the pandemic and the state of our economy
have created a great divide in America. One portion of our population
has made great advances during the pandemic and another portion has
been left behind due to lack of resources and no adequate
representation. I would like to see the Commissioner of the Revenue’s
office become a partner to the community to assist the citizens of
Montgomery County that have been underrepresented.

Management experience at a global manufacturing company

During my career, I have worked at several large corporations including
Volvo Trucks North America, Norfolk Southern Corporation, and DuPont.
I worked my way up the ladder to numerous leadership roles including
the role of Senior Operations Manager at Volvo Trucks’ multimillion-
dollar logistics center. While there, I was trained as a corporate
executive. I learned how to value my employees and create a thriving
work environment. I have in-depth financial skills to ensure that I could
make informed decisions regarding budgets built on realistic goals.

A proven leader at implementing cost saving ideas

Throughout my career, I have led many projects involving database
development. Making property data more easily accessible to the
citizens of Montgomery County, and allowing the citizens to access and
fill out forms on-line if they desire, is one of my goals.

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I love volunteering and have dedicated my time to dozens of organizations.  You may have seen me selling 50/50 tickets at an Auburn High School football game, or selling Boy Scout popcorn at various locations throughout the Christiansburg and Riner communities. I have worked concessions at Auburn High School athletic events and fundraisers at Virginia Tech football games. I have served as Treasurer for many organizations including the Future Business Leaders of America, the Western Virginia Chapter of Industrial Engineers, and most recently for Cub Scout Pack 348 in Riner.

This past December I helped collect canned food with Santa and the Christiansburg Fire Department. Also, I have campaigned at polling locations throughout Montgomery County for almost every election over the past 13 years. I truly enjoy meeting new people and serving the community.    

Chuck and Tara (2)

I currently live in Pilot with my husband, Chuck, and our two children, Bailey and Wyatt.  I left the corporate world to accept a position in the Finance Department at the Town of Christiansburg.  I will use my managerial and business experience to serve the citizens of Montgomery County as their Commissioner of the Revenue.  I would appreciate your vote this fall.