Meet the Team
Courtney J. valladares- SHRM, CP
FounderWith a passion for people and a heart for meaningful work, Courtney founded Blue Ridge HR to help organizations lead with integrity, clarity, and compassion. Drawing on extensive experience in human resources, leadership development, and organizational strategy, she brings both big-picture vision and practical guidance to every client partnership—setting the tone for a people-first approach rooted in trust, growth, and lasting impact.
Nicholas B. Rader, MBA
Partner Strategic, relationship-driven, and grounded in thoughtful leadership, Nick brings a strong business perspective to every client interaction. With an MBA from University of Virginia Darden School of Business, he is passionate about helping organizations find practical solutions, build meaningful partnerships, and move forward with confidence and clarity.