Roanoke, VA — Ridge View Bank has named Jim Cowan, chairman of the law firm CowanPerry PC, to its Board of Advisors. Cowan is the first board member from the New River Valley and joins as the bank prepares to open a full-service Christiansburg office in 2027.
For more than 30 years, Cowan has advised and represented businesses across Southwest Virginia, from high-tech start-ups to large manufacturers. He serves as outside general counsel to many of the region’s leading companies and nonprofits. He is also general counsel to Onward NRV, the New River Valley’s economic development alliance.
“Jim brings a tremendous amount of value to our bank,” said Carrie McConnell, President of Ridge View Bank. “A longtime attorney and businessman, he’s well connected and respected. As we establish permanent roots in the New River Valley, his perspective will be invaluable and help strengthen our commitment to serving local businesses and families throughout the region.”
In 2025, Best Lawyers named Cowan its “Lawyer of the Year” for Corporate Law in Roanoke. He has appeared in The Best Lawyers in America for more than 20 years and has been named a Virginia Super Lawyer every year since 2007. He also serves on the Virginia Bar Association’s Labor & Employment Law Section Council.
“What stands out to me about Ridge View is that it’s focused on relationships, understands its clients, and takes a personal approach to banking,” Cowan said. “Since getting to know Carrie and the Ridge View team, I’ve seen firsthand the commitment they bring to serving their clients and growing the bank. I’m excited to be part of Ridge View Bank’s expansion into the New River Valley and to help support their continued growth.”
Outside the office, Cowan is a devoted Virginia Tech fan. He serves on the executive committee of The Hokie Way, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and is a founding partner of Triumph, Virginia Tech’s NIL partner. He also invests in and develops commercial real estate in the region.
The Ridge View Bank Board of Advisors works with bank leadership to guide the bank’s growth. Cowan joins business and community leaders from Roanoke, Salem and Smith Mountain Lake, along with senior executives from CNB Bank.