2019
Year In
Review
Review
2019
Year In
Review
Review
Oglebay Resort
LEADERSHIP WEST VIRGINIA: A COMMUNITY OF LEADERS
LEADERSHIP WEST VIRGINIA: A COMMUNITY OF LEADERS
Kate Reed, ’12 and Pam Farris, ’98
Leadership West Virginia is an innovative program that grows, engages and mobilizes leaders to ignite a lifelong passion to move West Virginia forward.
Photos throughout this publication used with permission from Tracy Toler, George Manahan, Ben Barry, Oglebay Resort, WV Executive, class members and www.wvlegislature.gov.
a message from
Pam & Kate
The Leadership West Virginia (LWV) experience is not one that can easily be put into words.
Every year, through a competitive application process, business professionals are selected and invited to travel the state to experience key subjects, critical issues and help formalize solutions to move West Virginia forward. Those selected must have demonstrated skills and experience in civic activities, public affairs and in their professional careers sharing one common characteristic – an abiding interest in West Virginia and her future.
So, what does that tell you about the experience? Not much. We see a new class of leaders join together in March and form friendships. Throughout the program, they learn from experts on various subjects related to West Virginia, then graduate in November with the hope that they will continue to gather and work together on solutions to move the state forward. In their minds, no other class could possibly live up to them – THE BEST CLASS EVER!
So how do we explain the lasting impact of LWV to someone on the outside? Ask any of our alumni and the experience is just that. Something that can only be lived to fully understand, but we can try…
As our 2019 program year ends, we reflect on how we have seen LWV change lives and leaders because of the experience offered to a group of 54 men and women from around the state, from educators to CEOs.
Our first session brought strangers together as they shared personal stories about why they believed it was important they were in the room that first day. Many decided to participate for professional reasons, while others had bigger visions of being of service or helping correct systemic problems that cast a shadow on our communities. Some were sponsored by employers, others made the investment on their own. All knew the schedule and committed their time over the course of nine months.
The challenge to the members of the class that very first day was to consider their return on investment. An investment back to communities, employers, families, and all the things that had to line up in order to be there – something not to be taken lightly.
By our tourism session at the New River Gorge a certain level of camaraderie was established and at this point in the year, the group had developed lasting bonds by being comfortable with the uncomfortable. Yet, we continued to see personal evolutions take place in the months that followed.
In July, an attorney in the class argued a case in a courtroom setting for the first time, and by the last session the class finalized their project. The 2019 class also pledged 100 percent giving to the annual fund campaign. Proceeds for this campaign provide scholarships for people who otherwise would not be able to participate. More scholarships are requested each year and are given based on need and availability.
Scholarships are also a way to attract a diverse group of participants. Many of you reading this can probably associate a similar time shared with your classmates. More than likely, LWV was one of the most memorable experiences from your adult life. Do you want others to have the same lasting impression as this program had on you? Without your support and involvement, this won’t be possible for others who are steps away from being in the same position you once were. Help us share the experience.
Also, we invite you to re-connect. Alumni are the backbone of everything we do from speaking at sessions, volunteering time with local alumni groups, or donating toward our annual giving program. We are so very grateful for our alumni and challenge you all to lead by example and share in our community of LWV wherever you may be.
2019
Board of Directors
President
Stephen G. Roberts
Stephen G. Roberts
Chair
Cynthia Napier, ’07
Cynthia Napier, ’07
Chair-Elect
C.D. Linton, ’10
C.D. Linton, ’10
Treasurer
Mary Elisabeth Eckerson, ’05
Mary Elisabeth Eckerson, ’05
Secretary
Mychal Schulz, ’05
Mychal Schulz, ’05
Immediate Past Chair
Rob Aliff, ’06
Rob Aliff, ’06
Christina Brumley, ’17
Paul Daugherty, ’05
Holly Kauffman, ’15
Alisha Maddox, ’14
Christine Mitchell, ’16
Brian Moore, ’12
Robert Morris, Jr., ’09
Tim O’Neal, ’11
Jan Pattishall, ’16
Chad Prather, ’11
John Ramsey, ’17
Clay Riley, ’17
Jim Scott, ’14
Deborah Sizemore, ’06
Carol Smith, ’12
Sarah Smith, ’12
Aaron Spurlock, ’15
Toney Stroud, ’15
Nate Tawney, ’07
Monté Williams, ’10
Cindy Wiseman, ’14
THE CLASS OF 2019 AT A GLANCE
54 CLASS MEMBERS
23 Women
31 Men
31 Men
CLASS MEMBERS REPRESENTED 18 COUNTIES AND 21 CITIES WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF FUN FACTS:
Cynthia Napier, ’07
A MESSAGE FROM
Our Chair
When I heard about LWV, I thought it would be a great way to “network” for business. I had heard wonderful things about the program and thought it would help me learn about other businesses and contacts throughout the state. I had grown up in West Virginia and I thought I knew a lot about our state until I went through the program. I received so much more.
I traveled to beautiful and wonderful places that I didn’t know existed. I became much more aware of the challenges facing West Virginia as well as possible opportunities for solutions. I learned practical leadership skills and made lifelong friendships. I did gain the “network” I had hoped for and now have more than 1,000 very impressive and responsive contacts I can connect with when I need an expert in a particular field or in a particular area of the state.
The most impactful moment for me came after the June 2016 flood when Jim Fawcett, my fellow 2007 classmate, drove from Charleston with a truck full of supplies for our community from Pam Farris and the LWV board members and alumni. It was amazing to have that kind of support from friends across the state. That was when I realized I wanted to do more to give back to the LWV organization.
I encourage everyone who wants to grow in their careers, learn more about themselves, strengthen their leadership skills or gain a better understanding of our state to make the commitment and take part in the LWV program.
On a personal note, and on behalf of all LWV alumni, I would like to congratulate Pam Farris for being chosen as one of WV Living’s Wonder Women of 2019.
You are so deserving!
We would like to extend a huge ‘thank you’ to our partners for their support of, or participation in, the program in 2019.
THANK YOU TO OUR
2019 Donors
Thank you to all the individuals that have given to the LWV Scholarship Fund and Annual Giving Campaign through December 11, 2019.
MAJOR GIFT DONORS
Through December 11, 2019. MAJOR GIFT DONORS Our major gift donors have given directly to support the LWV Scholarship Fund with a monetary gift of $2,500 or more.
The Class of 2017
Diana Barnette, ’12
Helen Matheny, ’01
Rick and Teresa Miller, ’95 and ’06
Roger Topping, ’16
Rick and Cindy Wiseman, ’17 and ’14
ANNUAL GIFT DONORS
Giving Society Donors
Brenda Nichols Harper, ’91
Dylan Lewis, ’13
C.D. Linton, ’10
Tim O’Neal, ’11
Bob and Laura Orndorff, ’99 and ’99
Sarah Smith, ’12
Mike and Beth Walker, ’01 and ’99
Tessa White, ’16
Investor Donors
Robby Aliff, ’06
David Clayman, ’98
Andrew Dawson, ’19
Ryan Deaderick, ’18
Mary Elisabeth Eckerson, ’05
James Fawcett, ’07
Roberta Ferrell, ’19
Holly Kauffman, ’15
Caleb Knight, ’16
Jonathan Kyle, ’19
Alex Lay, ’19
James Mahurin ’93
Lance McKeever, ’19
James Nemitz, ’19
Nick Oxley, ’18
Jan Pattishall, ’16
Chad Prather, ’11
John Ramsey, ’17
Clay Riley, ’17
Dana Sandene, ’19
Mychal Schulz, ’05
Carol Smith, ’12
Patrick Smith, ’19
Sam Smith, ’19
Nathaniel Tawney, ’07
Lydotta Taylor, ’00
Kristie Vandevander, ’18
Steward Donors
Matthew Bowles, ’13
Trey Clohan, ’19
Anna Dailey, ’04
Jacob Darrah, ’19
Betsy DeBord, ’19
Lucas DeMarino, ’19
Brian Doughty, ’17
Pam Farris, ’98
David Allen Gilpin, ’15
Brett Harper, ’19
Jason Jackson, ’19
Guy Johnston, ’16
Patrick Kelly, ’94
Michael Knaggs, ’19
George Manahan, ’18
Rick and Teresa Miller, ’95 and ‘06
Christine Mitchell, ’16
Lyn O’Connell, ’19
Robert Passmore, ’19
Lindsey Piersol, ’18
John Reger, ’94
Kelly Shafer, ‘18
Christopher Signorelli, ’18
Chad Stutler, ‘19
Allen Toothman, ’93
Roger Topping,’16
Jeffrey Van Volkenburg, ’19
Michael Winter, ’04
Friend Donors
Stephanie Abraham, ’19
Elizabeth Amandus, ’18
David Bell, ’95
Elaine Bobo, ’18
Kevin Brackens, ’19
Brett Brewer, ’18
Tiffany Buffington, ’19
Thomas Butcher, ’19
Phillip Cantrell, ’19
Cynthia Chamberlin, ’19
Avon Cobourne, ’19
Bobbie Conklin, ’11
Paul Daugherty, ’05
Rae Dyer, ’18
Sean Farrell, ’19
Diane Feaganes, ’96
Hoy Ferguson, ’13
Ian Flores, ’19
Drema Foster, ’19
Kirk Gerdes, ’18
Derek Godwin, ’00
Julia Hamilton, ’19
Kyra Harris, ’19
Whitney Rae Hatcher, ’19
Seth Hayes, ’13
Jennifer Hicks, ’19
Heather Hudson, ’19
Jennie James, ’15
Erin Jones, ’19
Steven Keith, ’18
Terri Kittle, ’08
Elizabeth Lord, ’96
Conrad Lotze, ’19
Alisha Maddox, ’14
Tara Martinez, ’18
Parween Mascari, ’15
Helen Matheny, ’01
Cam Matheny, ’19
Kaitlyn McKitrick, ’19
Allan McVey, ’99
James Meadows, ’19
Michael Mistovich, ’19
Brian Moore, ’12
Robert Morris, Jr., ’09
Matthew Mousadis, ’19
Cynthia Napier, ’07
Chelsea Norton, ’19
Margaret O’Neal, ’18
Heather Ouimette, ’18
JC Raffety, ’96
Kate Reed, ’12
Andrew Richardson, ’00
Jessica Rine, ’19
Stephen Roberts
Scott Schenerlein, ’19
Jesse Scott
Jim Scott, ’14
Kristi Snyder, ’18
Amy Sowards, ’19
Aaron Spurlock, ’15
Doug Squire, ’19
Toney Stroud, ’15
Jen Susman, ’19
Megan Tarbett, ’13
Jack Thompson, ’11
Thomas Tinder
Saundra Uy, ’17
Kinsey Walker, ’19
Amanda Walls, ’19
Jason Ware, ’19
Mark Whitley, ’10
Jennifer Willits, ’18
Aimee White, ’18
Nathan White, ’17
Rick and Cindy Wiseman, ’17 and ’14
To find out how you can support Leadership West Virginia, visit www.leadershipwv.org/personal-supportpledge
DR. LYDOTTA TAYLOR RECEIVES
Distinguished
Alumnus Award
Since 2013, LWV has recognized distinguished alumni. Their leadership skills demonstrate the highest standard within the state and set an example for others.
Dr. Lydotta M. Taylor, class of 2000, was honored with the 2019 LWV’s Distinguished Alumnus Award at a special ceremony in collaboration with the WV Executive Young Guns Reunion in November at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center. Dr. Taylor started her career as a high school math and computer science teacher. She is the founder, CEO and president of The EdVenture Group, Inc.
As president of The EdVenture Group, she oversees the education-based organization that provides consulting, curriculum development and professional development services for individuals, leaders, educators and businesses. This non-profit organization has implemented over 7,000 workshops for educators and impacted over 25,000 students.
She earned her doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in STEM Professional Development from West Virginia University in 2011 and continues to seek opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.
Dr. Taylor is an active volunteer and recently led the United Way of Monongalia and Preston counties in a $1,750,000 campaign. She has also facilitated LWV strategic planning retreats, and is a regular presenter during LWV class sessions.
#CHOOSEWV WINS
Telly Award
Each year, the LWV class is tasked with creating a project that exemplifies community and passion and supports West Virginia moving forward.
We are proud to share that the LWV 2018 class project, #ChooseWV, has been awarded three international Silver Telly Awards. #ChooseWV was named best in social media video and social media campaign in the 40th Annual Telly Awards. The Telly Awards honors video and television across all screens and receives more than 12,000 entries from all 50 states and five continents.
The #ChooseWV video, social media campaign and website were developed to share what is great about West Virginia. In addition to providing resources and information about the state, the campaign challenged state residents to share what they liked about West Virginia so that others might benefit from all it has to offer: “For work. For family. For life. #ChooseWV.”
The video has been viewed by more than 85,000 people and shared hundreds of times. Visit www.ChooseWV.com to learn more about the campaign and to view the video.
LWV PARTNERS WITH
The Education Alliance:
Creates WV Ready Graduate
The WV Ready Graduate program is a collaborative effort between The Education Alliance and LWV. The statewide program prepares high school students for college and careers through internships and apprenticeships within the energy, manufacturing and health care industries. WV Ready Graduate supports public schools and gives the business community a voice in education. The program outlines a vision of the knowledge, skills and characteristics today’s students need to succeed. The initiative is funded by grants from the Claude Benedum Foundation and Roy and Gwen Steeley Foundation.
The program allows students to become aware of job opportunities available and have an experience that can prepare them for a future career. The three focus areas for the WV Ready Graduate program are 1) world class knowledge, 2) college and career skills, and 3) life characteristics.
The importance of math and science also are emphasized in this program, along with STEM skills, fi nancial literacy, verbal and non-verbal communication.
For more information, visit WVGraduate.com.
Without the partnership of Leadership West Virginia, our WV Ready Graduate initiative could not reach as many students as it does across the state. Their collaboration allowed us to support more than 1,800 students last year in preparation for their next steps after high school.
AMELIA COURTS
PRESIDENT/CEO,
THE EDUCATION ALLIANCE
About WV Ready Graduate
WORLD CLASS KNOWLEDGE
- READING AND MATH
- ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE OF THE ARTS, SOCIAL STUDIES, STEM AND WORLD LANGUAGES
- CAREER AWARENESS
- FINANCIAL LITERACY
COLLEGE AND CAREER SKILLS
- VERBAL AND NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION
- TEAMWORK AND COLLABORATION
- INNOVATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING AND CREATIVITY
- ORGANIZATION AND SELF-DIRECTION
- CAREER APPROPRIATE TECHNICAL AND COMPUTER SKILLS
LIFE CHARACTERISTICS
- READY TO LEARN, FAIL AND IMPROVE
- FLEXIBLE AND ADAPTABLE
- SELF-AWARE AND CONFIDENT
- INCLUSIVE AND OPEN-MINDED
- STRONG WORK ETHIC, PERSEVERANCE AND GRIT
- CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
- HABITS OF WELLNESS
2019
Diamond Sponsors
LWV is honored to have two diamond sponsors this year. A huge thank you goes out to Shentel Communications and WesBanco.
Our diamond sponsor, Shentel Communications, a telecommunications company based in Edinburg, Va., through its generous contribution, has afforded LWV with opportunities to expand programming and training this year. Shentel was started in 1902 as Farmers Mutual Telephone Systems. Today, the company has more than one million customers in five states, including West Virginia, offering internet, cable, DVR, fiber optic networks and more.
Company representative Willy Pirtle, senior vice president of marketing and sales, said, “Giving back to the communities and states in which the company serves is a huge part of its mission and something we take very seriously. LWV is a statewide business organization focused on moving the state forward and helping to mold the next generation of leaders,” he said. “We believe in LWV and its mission, and we are grateful to be able to help support some of West Virginia’s aspiring leaders.”
We are proud to partner with WesBanco, headquartered in Wheeling, W.Va. and one of our LWV diamond sponsors. West Virginia has been WesBanco’s home since its beginning, dating back to 1870 when it started as The German Bank, and until today where it serves thousands of customers across Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky.
Always focused on its West Virginia roots, Jan Pattishall, senior vice president and director of enterprise services, and a graduate of LWV, said, “I am extremely proud of the commitment that WesBanco has made to LWV, both in terms of sponsorships and in supporting a class attendee each year. The Leadership graduates working within the company truly help to move both WesBanco, and West Virginia forward.”
“Supporting LWV allows WesBanco to showcase its service offerings and ways it can benefit customers,” explained WesBanco’s Mike Perkins, chief risk and administrative officer. “More importantly, it’s a chance to support and encourage West Virginia’s business and community leaders. LWV grooms the future leaders of West Virginia through education, connecting resources, and inspiring hard work and innovation. We’re proud to be a sponsor of such an amazing business program in West Virginia.”
SESSION ONE
Welcome & Orientation
March 21 – 22 | Charleston
Designed to educate, guide and mold the next leaders in the state, representatives from all over West Virginia begin their experiences with LWV in the capitol city of Charleston.
We may all be working in different sectors and all have diverse backgrounds, but we share the same passion for our state. We all want to lend a hand in tackling some of our state’s most persistent challenges and want to be a generation of leaders who are working to develop opportunities and build a vibrant and exciting future for the place we call home.
JEN SUSMAN
CO-FOUNDER & CO-CREATIVE DIRECTOR,
84 AGENCY
SESSION TWO
Economic Development
April 11 – 12 | Martinsburg
The Eastern Panhandle of the state is home to session two, Economic Development. One of the goals of this session is to teach class members how to initiate economic development opportunities and sustain them for the future of West Virginia.
. . . the Eastern Panhandle is different than any other part of West Virginia. It truly does feel like a metropolitan area and brings me hope for an increase in economic development opportunities across the entire state.
WHITNEY RAE HATCHER
MANAGER OF VOLUNTEER SERVICES AND FRIENDS GIFT SHOP, WVU MEDICINE
SESSION THREE
Education
May 2 – 3 | Morgantown
The class becomes true “students” in Morgantown learning about West Virginia’s education system including growth mindset, partnerships with K-12, and how business and industry are focused on workforce and college ready initiatives.
After learning more about education in West Virginia, I plan to be more involved in helping our students understand and stay focused on opportunities in the state. We have as much to offer as any other state in the nation when it comes to post high school educational opportunities.
CSM PHILLIP CANTRELL
SENIOR ENLISTED LEADER,
WEST VIRGINIA NATIONAL GUARD
SESSION FOUR
Tourism
June 13 – 14 | New River Gorge
Class members not only get to hear about tourism from industry experts, they also experience local attractions that bring in audiences from around the country. Participants take this information and share it with their colleagues, friends and family, making them spokespersons for our great state.
Erin Jones, Director Government and
Public Affairs, Altice USA
I knew WV was a beautiful and scenic state, but I had no idea what other opportunities existed for tourism and outdoor activities. I had heard of the Boy Scout Jamboree, but to tour the property and learn about the vast number of scouts that would be traveling from across the globe was astounding.
ERIN JONES
DIRECTOR GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, ALTICE USA
SESSION FIVE
Justice System
July 25 – 26 | Wheeling
LWV participants in session five are exposed to many topics within the state’s justice system. Class members travel to Wheeling to hear from speakers covering topics ranging from The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, human resource issues, criminal justice and even receive a hands-on lesson about the judicial system during a mock trial.
LWV does a great job of exploring the positives of the state and we also need to tackle the challenges, so our group of educated, motivated West Virginia-loving classmates can work on a continued improvement plan. There was a lot of ground to cover during this session. We got a great overview and the lineup of speakers was truly impressive.
JONATHAN KYLE
PRESIDENT, MOUNTAINEER INSURANCE SERVICES, INC.
SESSION SIX
Energy Session
September 19 – 20 | Huntington
West Virginia is fortunate to have several abundant natural resources like coal, oil and natural gas. At this session, the class learns about the energy industry, how it operates and the educational pathways to careers offered in West Virginia.
Special Metals in Huntington is a nickel-alloy producer and utilizes a tremendous amount of human energy and power from the grid to produce metals. Seeing the old ways of forging nickel combined with modern updates to the company’s technology was a unique experience made possible through the LWV program.
SEAN FARRELL
PRINCIPAL ENGINEER,
SERVICE PUMP & SUPPLY CO., INC.
SESSION SEVEN
Health Care
October 24 – 25 | White Sulphur Springs
Health care remains a critical concern for many in West Virginia when it comes to need, accessibility and affordability. Session seven in White Sulphur Springs takes a deep dive into navigating the health care process and how the system impacts small and large businesses alike, as well as our citizens.
The healthcare session included a segment about the opioid epidemic and it made me realize that drug use is a statewide issue. Substance use disorder affects not only the people using drugs, but also the families. Grandparents, aunts and uncles are raising not only their own families, but other family members’ children as well.
AVON COBOURNE, JR.
ORGANIZATIONAL PARTNERSHIP DIRECTOR,
YMCA OF KANAWHA VALLEY
SESSION EIGHT
Government/ Commencement
November 21 – 22 | Charleston
In the final session in Charleston, the class explores leadership with government and politics. The highlight of the evening is graduation hosted at the Culture Center. This is a time for class members to reflect on how much they have learned about the Mountain State. After this last session wraps up, alumni are encouraged to take what they have learned through LWV and put it into action.
This was my first time on the House floor, and learning about the process. Through this experience I believe the biggest opportunity in our government is to cross the aisle and work together for the common goal of making West Virginia a better place to live, work and play. We need to put aside our political differences … and work to attract new businesses and tourists.
DREMA FOSTER
HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR
QUOTES FROM
Our Alumni Community
LWV encourages alumni to stay involved in their local communities and workplaces. In 2019, we challenged the class to commit to helping move West Virginia forward. LWV followed up with each graduate six months later. Many have continued to follow through with commitments and activities in their communities and on the job.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
STEFAN GOFF
ENGINEERING MANAGER, ALCON
My commitment to move WV forward is to help establish a path for WV students to get experience and gain employment with ALCON and find opportunities to promote this with other companies in LWV.
I have been able to set up a path at Alcon for recent graduates from Marshall University to start working in the engineering department upon graduation. While the positions are contracted, they provide an opportunity for recent graduates to gain experience and ready themselves when full-time openings become available. There have been four graduates from the 2019 class to take advantage of this opportunity. I have met with several department heads at Marshall University and there is a mutual interest to establish a co-op program
for undergraduates.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
AMBER VINEYARD
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, ORION STRATEGIES
My commitment to move WV forward is to find ways to get further involved and find new voices to add to the conversation.
Over the last year I have made the conscious effort to involve myself in new circles of people. I have been able to expand my spheres of influence both professionally and personally and it has opened new conversations and viewpoints. With each new relationship, I have learned a new story, investment and attachment to West Virginia and what drives its people. It is clear we all love this state and want to see it succeed for future generations. I look forward to continuing this effort to engage even more community members at the local level so that we can continue to drive West Virginia’s narrative in a positive light.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
OLIVIA LITMAN
MARKETING DIRECTOR, VISIT WHEELING WV
My commitment to move WV forward is to help educate organizations about LWV and to help diversify the program for new supporters, sponsors and class members. This will help grow and move WV forward by empowering its people and retaining them here. I’ll start by contacting WVCVBs.
It has been my pleasure to assist in the Wheeling LWV session for the last few years. What started as just being a sponsor now has us sitting at the table to make these ideas come to life. My job as the Marketing Director for Visit Wheeling WV is to always showcase Wheeling and Ohio County to our visitors. LWV classes are always full of such bright members; it is a joy to showcase each year’s class.
MESSAGE TO
Our Alumni
Going through the LWV program is an accomplishment to be proud of for all alumni, but involvement should not end after graduation. There is still so much to be done to assist others in being able to experience this wonderful educational journey exploring our great state and its abundant resources.
Ways alumni can participate:
- Annual service projects
- Local events and trainings
- Nominate class members
- Serve on alumni committees
- Donate/gift giving
- Attend alumni events and graduation
- Sponsor events
- Provide testimonials
When you stop and realize how much you learned and the professional and personal contacts you made, you can’t help but to want to give back. Help us as we continue to move leaders forward.
If you’ve committed to improving your community and would like to share, please contact Kate Reed at kreed@leadershipwv.org.
SHARE YOUR WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE WITH ALUMNI AND FUTURE CLASS MEMBERS.
Please fill out the form at rebrand.ly/nybd2y to share with others. Submit your video at rebrand.ly/mvfkj8. Thank you!
Do You Know Someone Who Should be a Part of Leadership West Virginia?
Do you know experienced leaders in your industry or community wanting to make a statewide impact or expand their professional network? Are they passionate about West Virginia and looking to strengthen their leadership skills?
As an alumni, sponsor or supporter of LWV, this program is a perfect fit for such an individual(s). After nearly 30 years, LWV continues to mobilize leaders to ignite a lifelong passion to move West Virginia forward. Cultivating new leaders is important to future prosperity and progress. LWV needs your help continuing to work, develop and motivate state leaders to inspire others and foster a new spirit of energy, enthusiasm and vitality.
If you or someone you know may be interested in the program, please contact us.
Applicants must demonstrate skills and experience in civic activities and in their professional careers. They also must possess an abiding interest in the state’s future.
Please understand the time commitment associated with being a class member when considering or nominating someone for the program. LWV is composed of eight two-day sessions over nine months focused on key issues and hosted in various regions across the state. At each session, experts share information and resources about these topics and often host site tours, events and other activities.
Visit www.leadershipwv.org to learn more about the program, including tuition and scholarship offerings and the nomination process. You may also email Pam Farris at pfarris@leadershipwv.org.