Misty Graves is the director of the City of Charlottesville Department of Human Services (DHS). Her work during her 17-year tenure at DHS has focused on youth development programming, foster care supports, and community-based outreach services, including financial-relief programs, housing navigation, and homelessness prevention services. Graves also serves as the liaison to the city’s Food Equity Initiative; is a steering committee member for the Charlottesville Area Alliance, which is committed to creating an age-friendly community; and is a board member of the Blue Ridge Area Coalition for the Homeless. She leads the implementation of DHS’s vision to meet the therapeutic needs of youth and families, to support the community’s efforts to improve equity, and to address poverty and its impacts. Prior to coming to Charlottesville, Graves earned a bachelor’s degree in communication and public relations from James Madison University and served two years in Americorps NCCC, Southwest Region.