Aila Boyd is a Virginia journalist, editor, and educator who has spent more than a decade working in local journalism. Originally from rural Patrick County, Aila has called the Roanoke region home for the past seven years and currently lives in the Cave Spring community of Roanoke County.
She joins VistaMedia as the editor of The Roanoker Magazine and Lynchburg Business Magazine, bringing an extensive background in both newspaper and magazine publishing. Throughout her career, she has served as a newspaper editor, publisher, and executive editor overseeing a chain of more than a dozen weekly newspapers. Her magazine experience includes serving as the editor of a publication covering the Smith Mountain Lake community.
Aila is also no stranger to The Roanoker. She has been a contributing writer for the magazine since 2020, giving her a strong connection to the publication and the community. Over the past six years, she has helped tell the stories of the people, businesses, and organizations that make the Roanoke Valley such a vibrant place to live. Local journalism has remained a central part of Aila’s career because of the important role it plays in documenting a community and connecting readers with the people and organizations shaping it. She is excited to take on a greater role with The Roanoker and continue highlighting the stories that make the Roanoke Valley unique.
Through her role with Lynchburg Business Magazine, she also looks forward to becoming more deeply connected with the Lynchburg business and community landscape. Outside of journalism, Aila teaches English, communication, film, and screenwriting at the college level.
She holds undergraduate degrees in media studies and theatre, as well as graduate degrees in writing, communication, and business.
Aila also serves as a commissioner on the Roanoke City Arts Commission, where she champions the local arts scene and helps guide and fund the development of public art throughout the city.
We are excited to welcome Aila to the VistaMedia team and look forward to the experience, creativity, and passion she will bring to both The Roanoker and Lynchburg Business Magazine.
