Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of West Virginia for 2024. Whether exploring the Appalachian Mountains, the Monongahela National Forest, or the Potomac River, there are plenty of natural wonders in West Virginia. This abundance of natural resources not only fuels industries, such as hardwood, coal, and energy but also helps attract some of the world’s leading professionals to the state. A few other thriving industries in the Mountain State include aerospace, agriculture, IT, manufacturing, and small businesses in many sectors.
We recognize the accomplishments of technology leader Jenna Bowles. Currently the Vice President and CEO for Communications and Corporate Messaging at Kyndryl, Bowles leads the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider utilizing her previous experience managing global teams and large-scale programs.
Among this year’s honorees is also the Field Medical Director of Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Vicki Williams. Having begun her career in healthcare and then serving in the US Army, Williams has acquired the skills needed to lead an innovative biotechnology company.
Lastly, we honor the career of Mary Folmsbee, the Vice President of Sales for A.F. Wendling's Foodservice, the largest independent family-owned and operated broad-line food service distributor in the state. Folmsbee has a strong background in sales, HR, and management and is committed to serving the people of West Virginia and beyond.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of West Virginia for 2024.
1. Jenna Bowles
Vice President, CEO Communications and Corporate Messaging, Kyndryl
Jenna Bowles is the Vice President for CEO Communications and Corporate Messaging at Kyndryl. She joined the company in 2021. Kyndryl is the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider, serving thousands of enterprise customers in over 60 countries. The company designs, builds, manages, and modernizes the complex, mission-critical information systems that the world depends on every day.
With nearly 20 years of experience in corporate communications, Bowles has held many exciting and challenging positions, managing large-scale, global communications programs and teaming with colleagues across the C-suite. She specializes in executive communications – helping senior leaders to elevate their presence and the work of the organization.
Previously, Bowles was a strategic and executive communications leader at IBM. Bowles earned an MA in Corporate Communications from Baruch College and an undergraduate degree in interpersonal communications and marketing from Bowling Green State University. Outside of the office, Bowles enjoys exploring the waterways and mountain trails of West Virginia with her family.
2. Michelle Dillow
Vice President Operations, Foundever
Michelle Dillow is the Vice President of Operations of Foundever. Foundever is a global leader in the customer experience (CX) industry. Their innovative CX solutions, technology, and expertise are designed to support the operational needs of their clients and deliver a seamless experience to customers in the moments that matter.
Dillow has 23 years of experience. She has over twenty years of call center experience. She is a strategic leader who is performance-driven and results-focused. She has a passion for operational excellence, employee development and engagement, and providing customers with an excellent experience.
Before joining Foundever, Dillow was a senior director of the area of operations at SYKES. Earlier in her career, she worked with DISH Network as a director of call center services. Dillow graduated from Bluefield State University with an undergraduate degree.
3. Michele Myers
Vice President, Marsh
Michele Myers began her professional career 38 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of Marsh. Marsh is a global professional services firm, headquartered in New York City with operations in insurance broking and risk management.
Myers started her career in 1986 as a medical professional liability client executive at McDonough Caperton/Acordia (Wells Fargo Insurance). From there, she eventually rose to the medical professional liability senior underwriter at Medical Assurance of West Virginia (ProAssurance), her most recent position prior to joining Marsh. Myers graduated from the University of Charleston with an undergraduate degree in business administration and management.
4. Diane Strong
President, ManpowerGroup
Diane Strong-Treister is the President and Franchise Owner of Manpower of WV, Inc., with offices in West Virginia and Kentucky servicing employment needs of clients in the Administrative, Industrial, Technical/Professional, and Healthcare divisions.
Strong-Treister is a member of numerous boards and currently serves on Workforce West Virginia Executive Board, Membership Chair for Mountain State Gold Young Presidents’ Organization, Board of Directors for City Holding, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Round Industry Table, WV Manufacturing Association Educational Fund Board, Buckskin Boy Scout Council Board, Charleston Alliance Board of Directors, Vice Chair of Charleston Chamber, WV Round Table, Board of Visitors of WVSU and Rotarian in the Rotary Club of Charleston.
She attended Rio Grande College and West Virginia State College majoring in business administration. Strong recently served a three-year term as the President of AMFO (Association of Manpower Franchise Owners of North America).
5. Erica Mani
Regional Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross
Erica Mani is the Regional Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross, a nonprofit humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education in the United States.
Mani has 19 years of experience. Before joining the American Red Cross, she was a deputy chief of staff, at the office of Governor Earl Ray Tombin. Before that, she was an executive director at the State of West Virginia, Executive Branch.
Mani graduated from West Virginia University College of Law with a JD and from Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism with an undergraduate degree.
6. Mitzi Coleman
Vice President and General Manager, Nexstar Media Group
Mitzi Coleman began her professional career 22 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President and General Manager of Nexstar Media Group, a leading diversified media company that produces and distributes engaging local and national news, sports, and entertainment content across television, streaming, and digital platforms, including more than 300,000 hours of news, sports, and entertainment programming each year.
Throughout her over 20 years in broadcast advertising, Coleman has consistently demonstrated the ability to grow sales, revenue, and profitability, and the capacity to build highly effective collaborative sales teams. Since 2020, Coleman has served as market sales manager and station manager for KTVL-TV CBS 10 and its sister station, NTVL-TV Southern Oregon’s CW 11, in Medford, Oregon, where she was responsible for the long-term strategy and day-to-day operations of both stations, overseeing advertising sales, sponsorships, and the development of new revenue streams.
Under her leadership, the sales team created and executed several unique sponsorship opportunities for advertisers and marketers, including “First Alert Fire,” sponsored by Keep Oregon Green, which provides fire-season tips and updates in conjunction with the Oregon Dept of Forestry. She and her team also developed “Ask The Expert” in partnership with Valley Immediate Care, producing a series of special segments in, which a team of medical professionals took viewer calls and the station produced multiple Public Service Announcements with health tips based on the needs of the community. The PSAs and news segments appeared across multiple platforms.
7. Becky Lofstead
Assistant VP of University Communications, West Virginia University
Becky Lofstead is the Assistant Vice President of University Communications at West Virginia University. She first joined the company in 1987 as the director of news and information services. WVU is a family of distinctive campuses united by a single mission.
Lofstead is a communications and administrative professional with extensive experience in integrated marketing and communications, media relations, crisis communication, public and community affairs, marketing and branding, and project management. Prior to joining WVU’s News & Information Services unit in 1987, Lofstead was Lifestyles Editor at The Dominion Post and also worked as the Public Relations Director at Fairmont State University.
She is a 1976 WVU journalism graduate and a 2006 graduate of Leadership West Virginia. Lofstead also serves as a campus advisor to Chi Omega Sorority and serves on many university-wide committees and task forces.
8. Shikha Sharma
Chief Scientific Officer, Institute for Sustainability and Energy Research, West Virginia University
Shikha Sharma is the Chief Scientific Officer of the Institute for Sustainability and Energy Research (WISER) at West Virginia University (WVU). WVU is a family of distinctive campuses united by a single mission.
Sharma is a multidisciplinary geoscientist with more than 20 years of experience. She led several transdisciplinary multi-institutional collaborative research efforts focused on the environment and sustainable energy solutions related to shale gas, geothermal systems, subsurface carbon/hydrogen storage, and more recently critical and rare earth minerals. Acquired several million dollars in research grants, authored high-impact peer-review publications, and mentored many students.
Before joining West Virginia University, Sharma was an associate director at the University of Wyoming. Before that, she was a postdoctoral research associate at Iowa State University. Earlier in her career, she worked with the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg as a German academic exchange fellow.
9. Vicki Williams
Field Medical Director, Ionis Pharmaceuticals
Vicki Williams began her professional career 25 years ago. Today, she is the Field Medical Director of Ionis Pharmaceuticals. Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Carlsbad, California, that specializes in discovering and developing RNA-targeted therapeutics.
Williams started her career in 1999 as a managed care and ambulatory care resident at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. From there, she went on to the US Army, before eventually becoming the senior regional medical liaison at Amgen, her most recent position prior to joining Ionis Pharmaceuticals.
Williams graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore with a PharmD in Pharmacy and from West Virginia University with an undergraduate degree in biology and psychology. She was a very involved undergraduate, participating as a Phi Lambda Sigma Leadership Society Charter Member, in the Phi Delta Chi Fraternity, in Student Government as the President and Vice President, as an AMCP Founding Member, and as an APhA and ASP Student Member.
10. Kelly Marsh
VP of Financial Operations, GuidePoint Security
Kelly Marsh is the Vice President of Financial Operations of GuidePoint Security. GuidePoint Security is an elite team of highly trained, top-certified experts who cut through cyber chaos and confusion to put control back in their hands. They help to make the smartest, most informed decisions, choose and integrate products and services that are the best fit, and build the most effective cybersecurity posture.
Marsh joined GuidePoint Security in 2018 and oversees all finance, accounting, and tax functions for the company. She is an experienced finance and accounting professional in corporate financial processes, budget performance, financial reporting, internal controls, and team leadership.
Bringing more than 15 years of experience to GuidePoint, Marsh served as corporate controller for Black Box Network Services, where she gained significant experience in mergers and acquisitions. She began her career at EY in the audit practice. Marsh is a graduate of West Virginia University and holds degrees in accounting and management information systems and is a Certified Public Accountant.
11. Amanda Kupfner
Chief Strategy Integration Officer, Bureau of the Fiscal Service
Amanda Kupfner is the Chief Strategy Integration Officer of the Bureau of the Fiscal Service. The Bureau of the Fiscal Service (Fiscal Service) is a bureau of the US Department of the Treasury. The Fiscal Service replaced the Bureau of the Public Debt and the Financial Management Service effective October 7, 2012, by directive of Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. The merger of the two agencies and their data centers saved $415 million.
Kupfner has 21 years of experience, all spent at the Bureau of the Fiscal Service. She started as an information technology specialist in 2003. In 2009, she was promoted to business integrator and project manager. By 2012, she was a manager in the Unified Communications Brandh, and by 2015, she had reached the director level as director of the User Services Division. She was appointed deputy assistant commission in 2020 and achieved her current role in the C-suite by 2022.
Kupfner graduated from West Virginia University at Parkersburg with an undergraduate degree in computer science. She was part of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Who’s Who Among College Scholars.
12. Jennifer Nestor
Chief Nursing Officer, Mon Health
Today, Jennifer Nestor is the Chief Nursing Officer of Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital. With over 25 years of clinical experience, Nestor has held a variety of clinical roles, including EMT, clinical nurse, and nurse director before starting her role at Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital in 2009. In addition, she spends time as a diabetic educator, hosting community diabetic education and support groups in Preston County. Nestor started her career in 1996 as a registered nurse at Charleston Area Medical Center. From there, she eventually rose to a nurse director at Cabell-Huntington Health Department, her most recent position prior to joining Mon Health.
Nestor graduated from the University of Charleston with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing before completing her Master of Science in Healthcare Administration at Southern New Hampshire University. Recently, she also enrolled at Aspen University to complete her Doctor of Nursing Practice.
13. Candice Powers
Chief Revenue Officer, USA Health
Candice Powers is the Chief Revenue Officer of USA Health. USA Health is changing how medical care, education, and research impact the health of people who live in Mobile and the surrounding area. Their team of doctors, advanced care providers, nurses, therapists, and researchers provide the region's most advanced medicine at multiple facilities, campuses, clinics, and classrooms. They offer patients convenient access to innovative treatments and advancements that improve the health and overall well-being of their community.
Powers also served as the president and CEO of Powers Consulting Group, LLC, where she consults across the revenue cycle continuum for healthcare delivery systems and support entities. Previously, she was a chief revenue cycle officer at Mon Health. In this role, she had oversight of the revenue cycle operations and the system integration for Mon Health. Powers has held similar leadership roles at Optim Healthcare, Beaufort Memorial Hospital, and Davis Health System. Earlier in her career, she worked with Eric Snyder DDS as a chairside dental assistant.
Powers earned an MBA in Finance from West Virginia University and an undergraduate degree in theater from Armstrong State University.
14. Alicia Kalka
Interim Vice President of Student Success, Fairmont State University
Alicia Kalka is a dedicated leader with a deep-rooted passion for higher education. Her journey began in Charleston, WV, where the value of education was instilled in her from an early age. As a first-generation college student, Kalka’s family's achievements inspire her every day.
Kalka’s commitment to student advocacy led her to educate countless high school students across West Virginia about the importance of post-secondary education. Drawing from her own experiences, she shares her journey, including its successes and challenges, resonating deeply with many West Virginia families. At Fairmont State University, Kalka takes immense pride in the institution's efforts to provide accessible pathways for students to achieve their educational goals. Her career in higher education began at West Virginia University, where she discovered her passion for student support while serving as a Resident Assistant. This formative experience not only laid the foundation for her future in higher education but also enabled her to graduate without student loan debt. Throughout her 20-year tenure in higher education, Kalka has held various leadership roles, specializing in Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.
Kalka holds a Master of Arts in Elementary Education and Higher Education Administration from West Virginia University and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration at Liberty University. Her extensive experience includes a decade at West Virginia University before joining Fairmont State University in 2014. Over the years, Kalka’s leadership at Fairmont State University has been instrumental in advancing various departments, including Housing and Residence Life, Student Activities, Student Conduct, and Admissions. Her recent promotion to Interim Vice President for Student Success underscores her dedication to enhancing student experiences and success.
15. Kathy Sanders
Vice President of Clinical Services, Medical Facilities of America
Kathy Sanders is the Vice President of Clinical Services of Medical Facilities of America. Medical Facilities of America (MFA) is a distinguished provider of progressive and transitional healthcare services for patients requiring post-acute, skilled, rehabilitative, extended, and abbreviated programs of care. LifeWorks Rehab is the in-house rehab therapy sector of MFA. This is a comprehensive, progressive inpatient rehab service for patients who have had joint replacement or other surgery, experienced a stroke, or been injured in an accident.
Sanders has 17 years of experience. She is a licensed registered nurse with experience in both acute and post-acute settings. She has extensive experience in long-term care as a Director of Clinical Services and in regional roles. Her specialties include management, multi-tasking, organization, mentoring, and conflict resolution.
Before joining Medical Facilities of America, Sanders was a chief nursing officer at Kissito Healthcare. Earlier in her career, she worked with Kissito Post Acute as a director of clinical compliance. Sanders graduated from Miami-Hampton University with a Master’s in Healthcare Administration.
16. Amanda Lynch
Chief Operating Officer, Greenbrier Valley Fitness
Amanda Lynch is the Chief Operating Officer of Greenbrier Valley Fitness. Greenbrier Valley Fitness is a veteran-owned and operated business located in the beautiful Greenbrier Valley. Their mission is to provide area residents with premier fitness facilities, services, and a helpful staff.
Lynch started her current role in November 2022. Previously, she held leadership roles at The Bank of Monroe. From June 2016 to the start of her role with Greenbrier Valley Fitness, she served as an associate vice president of mortgage lending. Before that, starting in June 2016, she was the market manager for The Bank of Monroe. Earlier in her career, Lynch worked with Yarid’s Shoes as a saleswoman in White Sulphur Springs, WV. She currently resides in Lewisburg.
17. Veronica Marin
Chief Financial Officer, Highland Hospital
Veronica Marin joined Highland as the Chief Financial Officer in December 2021 and has more than 16 years of experience in healthcare finance and administration. Highland Hospital has been serving the West Virginia community for over sixty years providing quality mental healthcare, an educated staff, and a safe environment. At Highland, they have the resources to improve total well-being.
Before joining Highland Hospital, Marin was a CFO at Perry County Memorial Hospital. Before that, she was a CFO at Red Bud Regional Hospital. Earlier in her career, she worked with Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community as a financial services accounting manager.
Marin is originally from Phoenix, Arizona, and earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Western New Mexico University in May 2000 and her Master of Business Administration in May 2002, also from Western New Mexico University. Marin later went on to earn her Masters in Accountancy in May 2009 from Arizona State University. Prior to joining the Highland team, she worked in finance and administrative roles at four different healthcare facilities across the country.
18. Kearstin McGinnis
Vice President of Employment, TekSynap
Kearstin McGinnis is the Vice President of Employment at TekSynap, a worldwide IT government contract company. TekSynap understands both the pace of technology today and the need to have a comprehensive well-planned information management environment. McGinnis’ team oversees the recruitment of IT government contracts for agencies, such as the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Defense Logistics Agency, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Department of Justice, Department of Veteran Affairs, and many more.
With over 16 years of recruiting and HR experience, McGinnis takes an active approach to place the right candidate, in the right role at the right time. She is a veteran advocate with a focus on working with the nation’s service members, transition centers, and veteran-friendly agencies in hopes of adding to TekSynap’s robust 35% veteran population. As a military spouse, she understands firsthand the challenges a veteran and their families may experience during one of the most exciting times in their careers, the military transition. For a portion of her career, she was integral to the military member’s transition. She traveled across the United States as a Department of Labor Career Transition Facilitator, presenting two- and three-day workshops discussing skill assessments, company research, job searches, resume writing, and interviewing.
McGinnis is a graduate of Columbia College with Bachelor’s degrees in Human Resources Management and Business Administration. In addition to her education, she has earned the Help Desk Institute Support Center Manager certification, Professional Recruiter Certification, PHR, and, PMP certifications.
19. Hope Fallen
Vice President & Business Director, Encova Insurance
Hope Fallen is the Vice President and Business Director of Encova Insurance. Encova Insurance provides commercial, auto, and home insurance. A super-regional carrier ranked in the top 20 mutual insurance companies in the United States, Encova is rated A (Excellent) by AM Best, the leading provider of insurer ratings.
Fallen first joined Encova Insurance in August 2019. Since January 2006, she has also served as the business director for BrickStreet Insurance, one of the largest writers of workers' compensation coverage in the region.
Fallen possesses extensive industry knowledge and skills in various areas of insurance, with specific expertise in workers' compensation, program management, property and casualty insurance, claims management, underwriting, and commercial insurance. She has demonstrated her proficiency in these areas through her work at Encova Insurance and BrickStreet Insurance, earning numerous endorsements from colleagues and other industry professionals.
20. Stephanie Smart
Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, United Hospital Center
Stephanie Smart is the Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer of United Hospital Center. United Hospital Center is the result of a merger between St. Mary’s and Union Protestant Hospitals in 1970. The new UHC is designed around the environment with the patient, family, staff, and community in mind.
Earlier in her career, Smart joined the Marine Corps. She chose a logistics path in the Marines and started working with explosives and ammunition. Her first deployment was to Kuwait, where she and other troops awaited the US invasion of Iraq, which commenced in March 2003. She started a licensed practical nurse program in California, where she had been stationed, right after getting out of the Marines in 2005. She worked as a personal trainer as she took classes. After completing the program in 2007, she moved back to Bridgeport and worked as an LPN while attending the registered nurse program at Fairmont State from 2008 to 2010. Smart graduated in 2010 and was hired by UHC as a graduate nurse. She worked for the hospital as it transitioned to its new facility off of Jerry Dove Drive, and worked as a nurse in areas throughout the new hospital. She moved from the nurse, to charge nurse, to supervisor, to nurse manager, and finally to her current role,
Over the years, Smart has developed the skills necessary to succeed. She possesses comprehensive industry knowledge and exceptional interpersonal skills. She is proficient in purchasing processes, key performance indicators, escalations management, customer satisfaction, and analytical skills. In her current role, she consistently demonstrates these skills, contributing to the organization's success and patient care excellence.
21. Kristin Anderson
Vice President Marketing & Philanthropy, Thomas Hospitals
Kristin Anderson began her professional career 17 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of Marketing and Philanthropy at Thomas Hospitals. The Thomas team includes more than 450 providers at two hospitals and more than 30 locations throughout Kanawha and Putnam counties.
Previously, Anderson was a senior director of marketing and communications at Stonerise, her most recent position before joining Thomas Hospitals. In this role, she led Stonerise's communication and marketing functions, including internal communications, CEO and executive communications, public relations, media relations, video production, and crisis communications. Before that, she was the director of marketing, where she led the marketing and social media functions across The Stonerise Network and ensured a cohesive brand narrative for team members, patients, families, providers, and communities.
Anderson held leadership roles at the West Virginia Department of Education, the West Virginia Department of Commerce, Fahlgen Mortine (an integrated communications company), and Northlich (an advertising agency). Earlier in her career, she worked as a client services coordinator. Anderson graduated from West Virginia University with an undergraduate degree in journalism.
22. Cleta Harless
CFO, University of Charleston
Cleta Harless is the CFO of the University of Charleston. She first joined the university in 2001. The University of Charleston is an independent, co-educational, residential university, with the main campus in the state capital of West Virginia, Charleston.
Before working with the University of Charleston, Harless spent over nine years in banking at One Valley Bancorp, purchased by BB&T and now Truist. She started there as a financial accountant and after six years, she was promoted to management reporting systems manager, a role she kept for three years.
Earlier in her career, Harless was a staff auditor at EY. She earned an MBA in Business from West Virginia University and an undergraduate degree from Marshall University.
23. Virginia Moore
Vice President and Dean of Students, University of Charleston
Virginia Moore is the Vice President and Dean of Students of the University of Charleston, an independent, co-educational, residential university, with the main campus in the state capital of West Virginia, Charleston.
Moore served at the University of Charleston as the director of residence life and judicial affairs from 2008 to 2013 and as the assistant dean of students from 2013 to 2016. She became the dean of students in October 2016, and she was named vice president in 2019. Moore believes that her most important role is to provide a safe, nurturing environment for students. Her department includes student activities, student organizations, Greek life, Title IX compliance, judicial affairs, international student affairs, intramural sports, UC bands, and residence life/housing. She wants to ensure that students not only have a great collegiate experience while they are there but also learn more about themselves and the world. She aims for students to discover their strengths, learn to resolve conflict and leave UC as competent, compassionate adults ready to take on the world.
Earlier in her career, Moore was an area coordinator at Morehead State University. She graduated from the university with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminology, and she served as a resident assistant.
24. Susan Bissett
President, Drug Intervention Institute
Susan Bissett is the President of the Drug Intervention Institute headquartered in Charleston, West Virginia. The West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute (WV DII) began in May 2019, after nine months of study and deliberation regarding the best ways to reduce opioid drug deaths in West Virginia.
Bissett is committed to reducing overdose deaths in West Virginia, Appalachia, and the Nation. She has over 25 years of administrative experience with nonprofits and higher education. She is fiercely committed to public health and health education. Most recently, she helped develop and implement opioid prescription and medication safety programs aimed at educating all young people and the public about the dangers of prescription and illicit drug use/misuse. Bissett is an advocate for evidence-based prevention programming, harm reduction services, and common-sense SUD response. She has written over 100 articles to date, with her most recent publications focusing on OTP treatment, harm reduction programming, medication safety, overdose response, and increasing the pipeline of healthcare professionals in Appalachia. She also serves on the boards of the West Virginia Rural Health Association and West Virginia Public Broadcasting Foundation and has received recognition for outstanding and innovative contributions in combating the nation’s drug crisis, including an award from the US Drug Enforcement Administration for her work in prevention education.
Before joining the Drug Intervention Institute, Bissett was an assistant dean and assistant professor at the University of Charleston School of Pharmacy. Before that, she was a consultant at G2 Consulting. Earlier in her career, she worked with General Motors Technical Education Program as a student service staff. Bissett graduated from Capella University with a PhD in Education. She graduated from Central Michigan University with an MA in Interpersonal and Public Communication and from Oakland University with an undergraduate degree in communication studies and political science.
25. Sherry Gregg
Chief Information Officer, VA Medical Center
Sherry Gregg is the Chief Information Officer of the VA Medical Center. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the component of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) led by the Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health that implements the healthcare program of the VA through a nationalized healthcare service in the United States, providing healthcare and healthcare-adjacent services to veterans.
Gregg first joined the Department of Veteran Affairs in 1995. For her current role, Gregg brings a wealth of expertise in strategic leadership, information technology management, and healthcare administration. She leverages her diverse skill set to drive innovation and efficiency in delivering healthcare services to veterans.
Gregg earned a Master’s in Strategic Leadership and an undergraduate degree in computer networking from Mountain State University. She also has a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership, Management, and Development from the College of West Virginia College of West Virginia, where she also received an Associate’s degree in Banking and Finance.
26. Angie Christian
Chief Operating Officer, Boone Memorial Health
Angie Christian joined the Administrative Team at Boone Memorial Health in March 2019. Now as Chief Operating Officer, she provides strategic leadership, steering hospital operations toward excellence and innovation. Boone Memorial Health is a nonprofit healthcare company based in Boone County, West Virginia.
Before joining Boone Memorial Health, Christian served as vice president of nursing for a national infusion company, where she played a key role in shaping the direction of the organization. Prior to that, she served as a regional general manager overseeing pharmacies and infusion suites. Christian’s diverse experience also includes working as a private nurse for a cardiology practice, and as a hospital staff nurse, with roles in the emergency room, surgery, and post cardiac catheterization unit.
Christian received her Associate Degree in Nursing from Southern West Virginia Community & Technical College. Graduating summa cum laude from South University, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Healthcare Administration. Additionally, she is a Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI), which is a nationally recognized and accredited credential for nurses specializing in infusion therapy. She resides in Alum Creek with her husband.
27. Robin Eckhart
Chief Financial Officer, River Park Hospital
Robin Eckhart is the Chief Financial Officer of River Park Hospital. River Park Hospital is on a mission to improve the quality of life for patients through the delivery of individualized treatment that is accessible, compassionate, effective, and affordable.
Eckhart started her career in 2008 as a supervisor at Arnett Carbis Toothman LLP, where she served as a healthcare consultant. In 2016, she was promoted to consulting manager. By February 2020, she achieved her first C-suite role as VP of finance for the Summersville Regional Medical Center & Braxton County Memorial Hospital at WVU Medicine, her most recent position prior to joining River Park Hospital.
Eckhart graduated from Marshall University with an MBA. She is a Certified Public Accountant through the WV Board of Accountancy.
28. Debra Tervala
VP for Learning & Chief Academic Officer, West Virginia Northern Community College
Debra Tervala is the Vice President for Learning and Chief Academic Officer of West Virginia Northern Community College, a public, comprehensive community college with campus locations in Wheeling, Weirton, and New Martinsville. Created in 1972, it has grown into one of the largest institutions of higher education in the Upper Ohio Valley.
Tervala brings more than 25 years of higher education experience as a teacher and an administrator, including 14 years at community colleges. Previously, Tervala was a vice provost at the Office of Institutional Effectiveness at Walden University. Before that, she was a core faculty at Walden University, an online university that serves adult learners, where she worked as the vice provost for institutional effectiveness. Earlier in her career, Tervala worked with The Honorable Robert C. Murphy, Chief Judge, Maryland Court of Appeals as a judicial law clerk. Her previous roles in higher education include serving as chief academic officer, vice president, dean, program director, and faculty member. As a first-generation student herself, she has focused her career on creating opportunities for students to learn and contribute to the communities in, which they live.
Tervala earned her Master of Education in Administration, Supervision, and Curriculum from the University of Maryland College Park and her JD from the University of Maryland School of Law. She was also selected to participate in the Management Institute for Women in Higher Education, conducted by the Higher Education Resource Services (HERS) at Wellesley College. In addition, she received a Fulbright International Education Administration Award from the US Department of State.
29. Jessica Adkins
Senior Vice President of Sales Enablement, Agent Pipeline
Jessica Adkins is the Senior Vice President of Sales Enablement of Agent Pipeline, where she oversees marketing strategy, creative marketing, technological solutions, and business automation, and provides support to agencies with digital marketing.
Adkins also holds the title of Director of Innovation, responsible for managing the innovation process within the company, and Director of Marketing and Communications, strategically planning and executing marketing pieces. Previously, Adkins worked as a career agent at Transamerica Agency Network. Adkins holds an Associate of Arts in Psychology and has various certifications in health insurance and financial planning.
30. Mary White
Chief Executive Officer, Children's Home Society of WV
Mary White is the Chief Executive Officer of the Children's Home Society of WV, a private, nonprofit child welfare organization founded in 1896. The Society provides comprehensive child welfare, behavioral health, social casework, and advocacy services.
Through her work with the Children's Home Society of West Virginia, White works to help children find lifetime families. She is committed to protecting and nurturing children and preserving and strengthening their families through comprehensive child welfare, behavioral health, social casework, and advocacy services.
White has been serving in high-level leadership roles for over a decade. In January 2012, she began a role with the Children's Home Society of West Virginia as the chief operations officer. In July 2022, she was appointed as CEO. She currently resides in South Charleston, West Virginia.
31. Myranda Pike
Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, Vandalia Health
Myranda Pike is the Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer. At Vandalia Health, they unite with one shared vision for making the highest quality care accessible and affordable to everyone who needs it. By sharing their expertise and resources, they can strengthen healthcare throughout West Virginia while continuing to keep and attract the most skilled doctors, nurses, and staff in their communities.
Prior to this role, Pike held senior management positions in healthcare consulting and coding operations at various organizations, such as Baker Tilly US, Charleston Area Medical Center Health System, and Duke University Health System. Pike also has experience in program integrity, compliance auditing, utilization management, and supervision roles in the healthcare industry.
Pike holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Marshall University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
32. Whitney Patterson
Chief Financial Officer, Highland-Clarksburg Hospital
Whitney Patterson is the Chief Financial Officer of Highland-Clarksburg Hospital, a private, nonprofit hospital that is dedicated to providing the best care for persons with mental disorders. It has established an integrated system of high-quality behavioral health services, including mental health treatment services for children, adolescents, and forensic patients.
Patterson joined the HCHI team as a controller in August 2017. Before coming to HCHI, Patterson was the chief financial officer at Fairmont Regional Medical Center, where she guided the hospital through their 2013 bankruptcy filing and subsequent sale to Alecto Healthcare Services. She had a public accounting background prior to her employment with FRMC, where she performed audits and due diligence consulting procedures for various healthcare companies.
Patterson graduated from West Virginia University with an undergraduate degree in accounting and a graduate certificate in forensic accounting and fraud investigation. She holds both a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) designation. Patterson is actively involved in numerous professional and charitable organizations, such as the WV Healthcare Financial Management Association and the Roosevelt-Wilson, Washington Irving, Kelly Miller, and Robert C. Byrd Alumni Foundation.
33. Michelle Deeds
Chief Executive Officer, Pocahontas Memorial Hospital
Michelle Deeds began her professional career 14 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Executive Officer of Pocahontas Memorial Hospital. Marlinton Hospital and Infirmary was first established by the County Court in 1926. It became known as Pocahontas Memorial Hospital as a tribute to the men and women who served in the military from Pocahontas County.
Deeds has worked in the healthcare industry for over 14 years. Deeds began her career as an intensive care nurse at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center in 2010 and worked there until 2014. In 2014, she joined Pocahontas Memorial Hospital, where she held various roles, including registered nurse, nursing supervisor, and director of nursing, and in her current role since 2023.
Earlier in her career, Deeds was an intensive care nurse at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center in Ronceverte, WV. She attended Mountain State University.
34. Marilyn Wrenn
Chief Program Officer, Coalfield Development
Marilyn Wrenn currently serves as the Chief Development Officer at Coalfield Development Corporation. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization's fundraising efforts. This includes developing and implementing fundraising plans, soliciting donations, and stewardship of donors. She first joined the company in 2016. Coalfield Development believes in developing the potential of Appalachian places and people as they experience challenging moments of economic transition by unlocking people's creative power to transform perceived problems into opportunities in the communities they call home.
Wrenn has worked in development and operations for over 20 years. Wrenn began her career as a marketing specialist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. In this role, she was responsible for press contacts, instructional video production, lead facilitation, graphic design, manual design, and Total Quality Management training. Wrenn also served as a liaison with the National Office. In 1998, Wrenn joined the Center for Economic Options (CEO) as the operations and development director. In this role, she oversaw the organization's operations and development activities. Wrenn also worked closely with the CEO to develop and implement strategic plans. In 2014, she joined YWCA Charleston as the communications director. In this role, she was responsible for managing the organization's communications strategy. This included developing and implementing media relations plans, writing press releases, and managing the organization's social media presence.
Wrenn received their MA in Communications and Environmental Systems from the University of Kentucky and their BS in Communications from the University of Kentucky.
35. Tabitha Fox
Chief Nursing Officer, Robert C. Byrd Clinic
Tabitha Fox has extensive work experience in the healthcare industry. Her most recent role is as the Chief Nursing Officer at the Robert C. Byrd Clinic. Robert C. Byrd Clinic (RCBC) is headquartered on the campus of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) in historic Lewisburg, West Virginia. As a nonprofit Rural Health Clinic, RCBC is committed to providing outstanding, comprehensive primary care to families across the Greenbrier Valley, western Virginia, and beyond.
Prior to this, Fox held various leadership roles at Cabell Huntington Hospital, including director of physician services, assistant director of perioperative services, operations manager of CHH Surgery Center, and bariatric program manager. In these roles, she managed providers and staff, implemented quality improvement measures, and oversaw the development of outpatient clinics. Fox also has experience as a staff nurse on a Med-Surge floor, where she took on additional responsibilities, such as charge nurse and preceptor. Overall, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in healthcare operations, management, and patient care.
Fox has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which she obtained from Marshall University between 1999 and 2003. In 2011 and 2012, she pursued a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in Education at Walden University.
36. Kristina Morgan
Chief Operations Officer, Nymeo Federal Credit Union
Kristina Morgan began her professional career 23 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Operations Officer of Nymeo Federal Credit Union. From humble beginnings in 1933, Nymeo has grown to a community chartered credit union serving both Frederick and Montgomery Counties. Nymeo is a cooperative, not-for-profit financial institution dedicated to promoting each member's financial well-being.
Morgan started her credit union career in 2001 as a part-time teller at Nymeo, formerly known as COMSTAR Federal Credit Union. Before that, she was at Monocacy Federal Credit Union. Over the years Morgan worked in a variety of roles in the Branches, Call Center, and Lending Department. Morgan shifted her career at Nymeo in 2011 to focus on administration, human resources, and marketing. In 2016 Morgan accepted her current position, where she has helped with organizational and cultural transformations at Nymeo and is passionate about what Nymeo can do for its members and community.
Morgan holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications with a concentration in Journalism from Towson University. She has also received the Credit Union Certified Marketing Executive designation. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching football, and traveling.
37. Bonnie Peterman
Division Chair and Pathway Coordinator all Allied Health Programs, WV Northern Community College
Bonnie Peterman is the Division Chair and Pathway Coordinator for all Allied Health Programs of West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC). WVNCC is a public community college with its main campus in downtown Wheeling, West Virginia.
Peterman is dedicated to the mission of WVNCC, providing affordable, quality education and training for all who wish to learn. After receiving grant money in 2022, Peterman worked to expand the nursing programs and we added more students on all three campuses. She was also committed to making a nursing simulation lab that’s a state-of-the-art lab on all three campuses.
Peterman also serves as the director of surgical technology at WVNCC. She is skilled in health and physical education, health information technology, and medical assisting. She has expertise in nursing, patient care technology, and radiography. She is proficient in surgical technology.
38. Mary Folmsbee
Vice President of Sales, A.F. Wendling's Foodservice
Mary Folmsbee is the Vice President of Sales of A.F. Wendling's Foodservice, the largest independent family-owned and operated broad-line food service distributor in West Virginia, serving the Mountain State, Virginia, and border markets in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. They stock over 9,000 products (and have access to thousands more), including fresh seafood, produce, dairy items, and a growing line of non-food products, including paper, chemicals, and more.
Folmsbee has 24 years of career experience. As a seasoned sales professional in the restaurant industry, she excels in building relationships, driving revenue growth, and delivering innovative solutions to meet client needs.
She has skills in HR strategy, human resources, and strategic human resource planning, and her expertise encompasses various aspects of human resource management and strategic planning. Folmsbee currently resides in Lost Creek, West Virginia.
39. Kim Posey
Vice President Operations, Energy Transportation
Kim Posey is the Vice President of Operations of Energy Transportation, a leading natural gas transportation and environmental Response provider. Energy Transportation Inc. primarily serves the construction, mining, gas processing, power generation, and wind energy industries, operating in all 50 states, as well as Western Canada.
Throughout her career, Posey has managed hazardous waste management and transportation, overseeing disposal and driver/laborer performance daily. She organized and scheduled resources, coordinated operational needs with the maintenance team, and managed the end-of-day check-in process to address service, safety, and equipment issues. She reviewed weekly demand for routes, recommended routes, set and monitored productivity, service, and safety targets for each route and driver, and resolved employee and labor relations issues. She coordinated temporary workers for routes, ensured drivers complied with regulatory requirements, conducted root cause investigations for injuries and incidents, and visited customer sites to resolve safety issues. Posey established and maintained a safe work environment, documented problem fixes, followed up on sales opportunities and safety issues, and maintained records required by regulatory agencies.
Posey started her career in 2000 as a transportation manager at WM Energy Services. From there, she eventually rose to manager at Shalewater Solutions, Inc., her most recent position prior to joining Energy Transportation.
40. Sharon Anderson
President and CEO, Williamstown Bank
Sharon Anderson is the President and CEO of Williamstown Bank, a locally owned and operated community bank serving Wood County, WV, and the surrounding area. Founded in 1919, Williamstown Bank understands the needs of customers evolve over time, and they are excited to offer a unique blend of the most up-to-date technology with the personalized service expected and deserve.
Anderson has over 22 years of experience at Williamstown Bank, holding various leadership roles. She served as a senior vice president from March 2015 to March 2020 and vice president of operations from September 2012 to March 2020. She also served as assistant vice president and security officer from November 2007 to September 2012, and as assistant branch manager from January 2002 to November 2007.
Anderson is passionate about community banking and is grateful to work for a wonderful organization. She and her team at Williamstown Bank are excited about the future and are committed to providing the best customer experience possible while offering the technology and convenience expected in today’s fast-paced world. Anderson earned a degree in history from King University.
41. Tiffany Testa
Founder & CEO, Seed Stage Strategies, LLC
Tiffany Testa is the Founder and CEO of Seed Stage Strategies, LLC. At Seed Stage Strategies, they understand the unique challenges and opportunities that remote-first, early-stage startups and small businesses face. Their tailored services are designed to empower growing businesses, providing a solid foundation to flourish in the competitive landscape.
As an operations executive with a passion for early-stage company development, Testa has demonstrated transformative leadership and a commitment to operational efficiency throughout her career. With key qualifications in values-based hiring, process improvements, building operations from the ground up, and identifying automation opportunities, she has successfully laid robust foundations for business growth.
Previously, Testa was the head of business operations at The Profit Ledger. Before that, she was an operations manager at Landed. Earlier in her career, she worked with Jackson Kelly PLLC as a legal secretary. Testa earned an MBA in Organizational Leadership from Eastern University and an undergraduate degree in multi/interdisciplinary studies from West Virginia University.
42. Paige Withrow
Chief Marketing Officer, West Virginia International Yeager Airport
Paige Withrow is the Chief Marketing Officer of West Virginia International Yeager Airport, a public airport located three miles east of downtown Charleston in unincorporated Kanawha County, West Virginia. The airport hosts McLaughlin Air National Guard Base, home to eight C-130 Hercules aircraft of the West Virginia Air National Guard's 130th Airlift Wing (130 AW), an Air Mobility Command (AMC)-gained unit of the West Virginia Air National Guard.
Withrow has nearly a decade of leadership experience at West Virginia International Yeager Airport. She assumed the role of marketing manager in July 2016. In November 2022, she added the CMO role to her duties. She also volunteers as the director of the Central West Virginia Convention & Visitors Bureau. Withrow graduated from West Virginia State University with an undergraduate degree in business administration and marketing.
43. Michelle Ballard
Chief Operations Officer, Monroe Health Center
At the Monroe Health Center, Michelle Ballard is the Chief Operations Officer. The Monroe Health Center has been serving the residents of Monroe and surrounding counties for over 50 years. Their mission goes beyond providing medical services; it's about building a healthier, happier community.
Ballard has held leadership roles for almost 20 years. In January 2005, she began a role with PBGS-Depot Lodge-Swinging Bridge Restaurant as the general manager. She joined the Monroe Health Center in November 2007 as a site manager. She became an HR coordinator in 2009 and was then appointed to her current role in 2011.
Ballard is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR) through the HRCI, a global leader in developing rigorous exams to demonstrate mastery and real-world application of forward-thinking HR practices, policies, and principles. She is also a Certified Professional through SHRM, a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces, where people and businesses thrive together.
44. Brenna Pattajo
Chief Financial Officer, Mystek
Brenna Pattajo is the Chief Financial Officer of Mystek. She first joined the company in 2018. Mystek Systems, Inc. is a privately owned, small business founded in 2001. Mystek focuses on providing specialized subject matter expertise and solutions for the Intelligence Community and the Department of Defense.
Pattajo brings over 15 years of experience in accounting, specializing in accounting for government contractors. She is well-versed in the nuances of project costing, contract management, and DCAA-compliant accounting. Previously, Pattajo was a controller at Trust Development and Management, LLC. Before that, she was a senior accountant at Scott Blackburn and Associates LLC.
Pattajo graduated from Shepherd University with her BS in Accounting in 2012, and she received an MS in Accounting from American Public University in 2024. Her years working in public accounting have also afforded her significant experience with audit and tax, though her favorite projects involved implementing DCAA-compliant accounting software and consulting for clients. In addition to her accounting experience, Pattajo also brings years of experience with HR functions, benefits management, strategic planning and budgeting, inventory management, production, and marketing.
45. Mina Mirzakhani
VP of Information Technology, Poca Valley Bank
Mina Mirzakhani is the Vice President of Information Technology at Poca Valley Bank. The Poca Valley Bank is an independent, community bank, which was founded beside the Pocatalico River in Walton in 1908. They opened their first branch office in 1987 in Clendenin, Kanawha County. In the 1990s, two more Kanawha County branches were built in Elkview (1990) and Sissonville (1997).
Mirzakhani has extensive experience in information technology and operations within the banking sector. She has been in her current role since March 2020. Previously, she served as an SVP and the chief information and operations officer at CNB Bank Inc. from April 2018 to February 2020. Before that, she was a VP and the CIO at First Sentry Bank for over 15 years, from September 2002 to April 2018. She began her career as a network administrator at Flaherty Sensabaugh Bonasso PLLC, where she worked from May 1998 to August 2002.
Mirzakhani has a diverse set of skills, including project management, communication, and problem-solving. Her industry knowledge encompasses information systems, IT operations, and IT management. She excels in the interpersonal and technical aspects of her field. Mirzakhani graduated from Marshall University with a Master’s in Information Technology.
46. Lauren Riviello
President & CEO, C&O Canal Trust
Lauren Riviello has served as the President and CEO of C&O Canal Trust since April 2023. The C&O Canal Trust, as the official nonprofit partner of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, works in partnership with the National Park Service and local communities to raise funds to preserve the Park for future generations and to broaden support through programs that highlight the Park’s historical, natural, and cultural heritage and recreational opportunities.
During Riviello’s tenure leading the Trust’s development team, the organization steadily enhanced its fundraising efforts, growing critical support for conservation, education, and preservation efforts in the C&O Canal National Historical Park. She joined the C&O Canal Trust in February 2021, serving as the director of development
She has over a decade of nonprofit leadership experience. A native of Shepherdstown, WV, Riviello worked at the Brookline Arts Center (BAC) in Massachusetts before returning to the area. She served in many roles at BAC, including assistant director, director of operations, and executive director. Prior to joining the BAC, she served as the managing director of Gallery 263 in Cambridge, MA. Riviello earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from West Virginia University and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from The Institute for Nonprofit Practice at Tufts University. She is also an alumna of the Leadership Development Program at the Center for Creative Leadership.
47. Jamie Riggs
Senior Director, Customer Success & Data, Open Up Resources
Jamie Riggs is a creative and empathetic leader in the K-12 Education space. Joining Open Up Resources (OUR) at the earliest stages of the organization, she has been critical in its growth from a small startup to a market-interrupting K-12 nonprofit. Open Up Resources is a non-profit publisher of K-12 curricula in pursuit of delivering equitable learning experiences for all students.
Currently serving as the Senior Director of Customer Success and Data, Jamie collaborates with Open Up Resources' expanding customer base and develops systems to support districts efficiently. Keeping her classroom roots close to her heart, she remains committed to empowering students and educators nationwide with equitable classroom experiences, while supporting the Sales Team to enhance their impact. Jamie began her professional career as a middle school math teacher. Her education was an essential piece of her formative years, and she now had the opportunity to pay it forward for her students which she embraced. After seven years in the classroom, she transitioned to the District 6-12 Math Specialist role, where she coached fellow educators to enhance math instruction and student achievement, striving to reach even more students.
Jamie holds a Master of Arts in Education for Mathematics Leadership, a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, and licenses for both Secondary Mathematics Education and Mathematics Specialist for Elementary and Middle School Education from the College of William and Mary, where she also served as a Regional Mathematics Specialist for the Tidewater Team.
48. Morganne Tenney
Executive Director, Putnam County Development Authority
“You will never have to push me forward, but rather, may need to hold me back.” Morganne Tenney lives her life professionally and personally with her late father’s wisdom as her anthem. She enthusiastically serves as the Executive Director of the Putnam County Development Authority. For over 60 years, the organization has been driving development for business, sites, workforce, and housing as the lead economic development agency in Putnam County, WV meeting with hundreds of private companies and organizations with the ultimate goal of increasing investment and quality jobs in WV. With experience in both the higher education and hospitality industries, Morganne knows the value of thoroughly and efficiently connecting her clients to answers while maintaining a positive relationship throughout the process.
Morganne was born and raised in Putnam County, and as a multigenerational Putnam Countian, Morganne believes wholeheartedly in the loyalty and passion that drives her work to provide the best economy possible for her community, including her young children. In her two years with PCDA, she has led the organization to win a federal grant, spearheaded a skilled, industrial maintenance technician apprenticeship between local manufacturers and a local Community and Technical College, closed two deals in PCDA-owned Putnam Business Park, purchased an industrial building with a Fortune 100 company lease, designated the county for housing development tax incentives, supported utility extensions, doubled private funding, and entertained domestic and international prospects.
Morganne obtained a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and an MBA from West Virginia Wesleyan College where she earned “Best Marketing Graduate” and “Outstanding MBA Graduate”. She is active in her community, sits as a member on multiple boards, is a local worship leader, and can typically be found outside. Although she still loves traveling the world, she resides in Scott Depot with her husband, J.R., two-year-old son, Landon, six-month-old baby Jack, and their golden-doodle, Wrigley.
49. Trinity Celapino
Director of Rehabilitation, Powerback
Trinity Celapino is the Director of Rehabilitation of Powerback. Powerback is a new way of delivering recovery, rehabilitation, respiratory, and wellness services to patients across the nation. In this role, Celapino prioritizes knowing every aspect of a patient's care from admission to discharge.
Celapino has been a Physical Therapist Assistant for over 10 years with the same company. She has successfully managed multiple facilities simultaneously, consistently improving CMI and building a strong rehab team. Her clinical experience has helped her progress her skills to provide the best quality of care for residents with a wide range of morbidities. She thrives on challenges and creates a positive work culture among her team and throughout the facility. It is important to her that her team is engaged and motivated every day. She enjoys providing innovative treatments and inspiring others to do the same. Her goal is to continue bringing positive energy, wherever she goes and to build on her skills as a leader and clinician.
Celapino graduated from Fairmont State University with an undergraduate degree in strategic leadership.
50. Jeanne Finstein
President & Director of Development, Polyhedron Learning Media
Jeanne Finstein is the President and Director of Development of Polyhedron Learning Media (PLM). PLM is a full-service technology development company that specializes in creating educational software, audio/video, and print materials.
Finstein started her career as a high school math teacher, serving as the Math Department Chair for Wheeling Park High School. After over a decade of teaching there, she accepted a role as the Educator Resource Center Manager and Math Resource Teacher for the Center for Educational Technologies. She was later made the manager of projects, assistant director, and then acting president. She started her current role at Polyhedron Learning Media in 2004.
Finstein graduated from West Virginia University with an EdD and an undergraduate degree. She also has a Master’s degree in Mathematics Education from Wheeling Jesuit College. She has served on multiple boards, including the WV Space Grant Consortium, the WV NASA EPSCoR, and the WV Council of Teachers of Mathematics.