Speakers

Louis was born and raised in Fayette County, WV where he grew up in a family-owned small business. He learned early on the challenges and rewards of West Virginia small businesses and entrepreneurship.

After graduating from WV Tech with a B.S in Accounting, Louis found his way into the world of finance where he worked for nearly 20 years as a Small Business and Commercial Lender in the banking industry in Charleston, WV. Louis worked with numerous small businesses during this time assisting with their lending and credit needs while learning and consulting about operations, management styles, capitalization, marketing and other aspects of his client’s small businesses.

In January 2023 Louis jumped at the opportunity to work for Partner Community Capital (PCAP) as Business Services Coordinator for the West Virginia Recreational Economies Initiative (WV REI). In this role Louis worked closely with Small Businesses and Non-Profit Organizations in the Tourism and/or Recreation sectors of West Virginia’s economy. Specifically, Louis provided business and financial advisory services and administered third-party Technical Assistance funding to WV REI clients.

Louis’ new role with PCAP is as technical assistance liaison for PCAP’s lending team where he ensures that PCAP’s lending and technical assistance services are optimized for each client.

In his spare time Louis can be found fishing or paddling on West Virginia’s streams, rivers and lakes or hiking and birdwatching along her mountain trails.

Dave Arnold is a retired tourism and economic development leader and one of the pioneers of West Virginia’s outdoor recreation tourism industry. He is the co-founder of Class VI River Runners, which grew into what is now Adventures on the Gorge, one of the state’s most iconic outdoor adventure destinations.

Arnold worked with eight consecutive West Virginia governors (both Republican and Democratic) serving on the West Virginia Tourism Commission and the West Virginia Economic Development Council, and served for 12 years as Chair of the West Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association.

With decades of experience at the intersection of entrepreneurship, public policy, and tourism, Arnold brings a deep understanding of how tourism functions as the public-facing narrative and economic backbone of the State of West Virginia.

Coy (CJ) Belknap is a native West Virginian and has worked in experiential and outdoor education since 2010. He currently serves as the Director of Adventure WV at West Virginia University. In his role, he oversees one of the largest outdoor programs in the country, known most notably for its impact on retention and graduate rates among participants. He has also contributed scholarship to outdoor and experiential education, including research on the impacts of outdoor orientation programs on participants’ emotional intelligence and student development.

Kristen Beverage, WV Recreational Economies Initiative Manager at Partner Community Capital, resides near Marlinton, WV, nestled deep within the Monongahela National Forest. Kristen’s career includes her role as Business Advisor at the WV Women’s Business Center, serving as Executive Director at the Snowshoe Foundation, and experience at the US Forest Service where her passion for trail development and conservation was cultivated. She holds an MA in Applied Community Development and earned her undergraduate degree in Finance from WVU. She advocates for sustainable recreation and rural economic vitality. For leisure she enjoys hiking with her husband and daughter, trail-running and camping.

Tim has served as President & CEO of the Charleston CVB since January of 2020. Prior to that he served for seven years as the Vice President of Sales & Marketing. He came to Charleston from Bridgeport, WV, where he served as the Executive Director of the Bridgeport CVB for four years. Prior to working in the tourism industry, Tim spent several years as a news director, talk show host and sports play-by-play personality.

Mr. Brolis has spent his career working at the nexus of business and government for the mutual benefit of people and nature. For over 9 years at TNC, he has promoted conservation-friendly economic diversification strategies including outdoor recreation, market-based natural climate solutions and the deployment of renewable energy on former mine lands, brownfields & other previously disturbed sites. Prior to joining TNC, he founded a consultancy and business incubator that supported enterprises around the globe focused on the regenerative agriculture and renewable energy sectors.

From 2006-2011 Mr. Brolis was a Co-Owner of Namaste Solar in Colorado; helping to grow the startup into a leading solar integrator generating more than $20 million in annual revenue with over 75 employees. Concurrently, he was elected to serve as the President of the Board for the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association where he successfully helped enact bipartisan policies to grow the then nascent solar industry.

Jim Bryson became Commissioner of the Department of Finance and Administration on June 15, 2022. In this role, he serves as Governor Lee’s chief financial officer. As commissioner, Jim oversees the many complex processes required to ensure the smooth operation of the state on a daily basis, including managing development of the governor’s proposed budget. Other functions managed by the commissioner and department include centralized accounting and reporting of the state’s financial activity as well as providing state government infrastructure through information resources, administration of state employee benefits, and management of other projects throughout the state, including the Office of Evidence and Impact.

Immediately prior to his appointment. Jim served as Deputy Commissioner of Parks and Conservation at the Department of Environment and Conservation, starting in May 2019. He served as a state senator representing Williamson County in the Tennessee General Assembly from 2003 to 2007. Jim has also been involved with a host of local projects improving our community and has been a national leader in the development of successful relief projects for the people of Haiti, including his founding of The Joseph School for children in Haiti.

Prior to entering state service, Jim was founder and president of 20/20 Research Inc., a market research consulting, project management and technology firm based in Nashville and operating worldwide. Jim is Past Chairman of The Sycamore Institute, an independent, nonpartisan public policy research center focused on Tennessee issues. He also served three terms as international president of the Qualitative Research Consultants Association.

He is a member of Brentwood Methodist Church. Jim earned his bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and received a Master’s in Business Administration from Vanderbilt. He and his wife, Carol, a Greeneville native, have four children and two grandchildren.

Mark Burdette is Deputy Director of the West Virginia Small Business Development Center and Network Builder for WV BusinessLink, he holds the IEDC’s Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) credential and serves as an IEDC board member. He co-founded Citynet and helped launch and develop the Advantage Valley Entrepreneurial League System, and since joining WVSBDC in 2022, has expanded WV BusinessLink’s resource partner network and improved entrepreneurs’ access to services statewide.

Logan Chapman is the Trails Training and Education Coordinator with the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, where he supports communities across West Virginia in planning, building, and maintaining sustainable trail systems. With a background in recreation, public administration, and hands-on outdoor leadership, Logan brings practical experience in trail development, stewardship, and education. His work focuses on helping local leaders translate outdoor infrastructure into long-term community value.

Bobby Chappell is a recognized leader in destination stewardship with more than 23 years of experience bridging tourism, outdoor economies, and long-term resilience. He has partnered with national Ministries of Tourism, iconic resort destinations, and rural gateway communities to strengthen quality of life, protect natural and cultural resources, and enrich visitor experiences through community-led strategic planning and data-driven program development.

Rich Edwards is the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Coordinator for the Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative. Before joining the team, Rich worked for 21 years at the International Mountain Biking Association as the IMBA Trail Solutions Director of Community Engagement and Education. Rich has gained quite the reputation in the trail building community and is known for the care and effort he places into design, with special attention to sustainability and working with the land, not against it. Rich has gathered this knowledge across time and space, traveling over 33 U.S. states and eight countries to build his understanding of trail building, mountain biking land management and techniques. He’s brought this knowledge, experience and creativity with him as he seeks to reimagine trails in West Virginia that will shape our communities for years to come.

April Elkins-Badtke is Executive Director for Stewards Individual Placements (Conservation Legacy), providing oversight of national service programming and leading the program’s expansion from a regional to a national model, with presentations at national and regional conferences on the OSMRE VISTA model. She serves as a Commissioner for Volunteer West Virginia and is a continuing member of America’s Service Commissions’ 2025–26 Board of Directors. Elkins-Badtke has been quoted in regional media on national service policy, including the 2025 AmeriCorps funding cuts’ impact on rural West Virginians.

Sam’s career with West Virginia State Parks began in 1977 near his hometown of Mullens, where he worked seasonally on the golf course at Twin Falls State Park. Over the next four decades, he built a distinguished career in the park system, serving as a naturalist at North Bend State Park and later as superintendent at Moncove Lake, Greenbrier Forest, and Stonewall Resort State Park.

In 2014, Sam was appointed Chief of the WV State Parks System, a role he held until his retirement in 2019. He continues to support the system through part‑time special assignments. He returned to full‑time service in 2020 as General Manager of Canaan Valley Resort. He retired from that position in 2022.

Today, Sam serves as the Executive Director of WV TRAIL, a statewide nonprofit advocating for non‑motorized trails and expanded outdoor recreation opportunities across West Virginia. He also serves on the boards of the WV Physical Activity Plan, the Statewide State Park Foundation and the State Parks Endowment Fund Board.

Sam and his wife, Carol, live in Weston, West Virginia. They have three daughters, three sons‑in‑law, and two granddaughters. In his free time, Sam enjoys home projects, hiking, and fishing the mountain streams of West Virginia.

Tataboline “Ta” Enos is the Founder and CEO of the Pennsylvania Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, where she works with state and local partners to help revitalize a quarter of Pennsylvania through place-based tourism, outdoor recreation, and rural small business development rooted in stewardship. Over two decades, her work has helped grow the PA Wilds into a $2 billion tourism and outdoor recreation economy supporting hundreds of rural businesses. A fourth-generation native of the region, Ta is also the author of the award-winning memoir Proudly Made, which chronicles the reinvention of one of America’s most rural regions through grit, creativity, and community.

Charles Evans is the Backcountry Coordinator leading the Snowshoe Highlands
Recreation Collaborative’s backcountry management model, which unites trail
stewardship, backcountry rescue, and wildland infrastructure management into one bold vision. With over a decade as a land manager, he’s proving how caring for wild places can also build resilience and spark economic revival in rural communities.

Amy Shuler Goodwin is the Mayor of Charleston, West Virginia, and the city’s first female mayor. Since taking office, she has focused on strengthening infrastructure, supporting community-driven development, and positioning Charleston to capitalize on the continued growth of sports tourism and outdoor recreation.

Under her leadership, Charleston is expanding riverfront access and connectivity through the Capital Connector Project, revitalizing parks and athletic facilities, and activating public spaces through signature events like the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta, which generated more than $40 million in economic impact in 2025. Mayor Goodwin has also supported the recruitment of national sporting events, including the USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships ($6.9 million in economic impact in 2025), USA Gymnastics All GymFest (coming in 2026), and the Spartan Opening Ceremony supporting the West Virginia Spartan Trifecta World Championships.

Together, these efforts reflect a broader strategy to leverage Charleston’s rivers, parks, and public spaces to attract visitors, support local businesses, and grow the outdoor economy. Mayor Goodwin previously served as West Virginia’s Commissioner of Tourism and Deputy Secretary of Commerce.

A Native West Virginian, Nick is the Director of Business Development at Inner Action Media. In this role, he leads efforts to cultivate strategic partnerships and help IAM tell more exceptional stories. With a natural talent for conversation and a gift for building relationships, Nick brings people together and delivers thoughtful, effective solutions for clients and the communities they serve. Outside of work, Nick enjoys hosting friends, exploring new terrain, and finding new ways to celebrate West Virginia.

Stella is the Brand Experience Manager for Visit Mountaineer Country, where she works with local businesses, tourism organizations, and community partners to showcase and promote the North Central West Virginia region. For the past three years, she has taught Leave No Trace principles to over 3,500 students, highlighting West Virginia’s outdoor assets and the role tourism plays in the community. Stella is a graduate of West Virginia University with a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism. When she’s not in the office or the classroom, she loves traveling and is always up for a fun adventure!

Matt Herridge is a lifelong West Virginia resident and business owner currently serving as the West Virginia Secretary of Commerce. His background includes a ten-year career in Clinical Psychology at the Charleston Area Medical Center and member of the WVU School of Medicine clinical faculty.

Since then, he has managed an extensive restaurant portfolio, including 24 Burger King units and three Qdoba Mexican Eats locations, and founded a software development company focused on the restaurant industry. Following the sale of the Burger King units and the software firm, he now operates three Qdoba locations and manage several leased properties.

Throughout his career, he has been deeply involved in the political arena. In addition to his previous role as GOP State Chairman, he previously chaired the Government Relations Committee for the Burger King brand and its associated PAC.

Ben Isenberg is the Founder of Access Appalachia, a technology-enabled platform designed to support the outdoor recreation economy across Appalachia. He brings more than 20 years of experience working at the intersection of destination development, tourism strategy, and large-scale event production.

Ben is also the founder of Symmetry, a destination-focused strategy and marketing agency established in 2011. Through Symmetry, he has worked with national and international destinations and helped produce and promote major events, including the Washington, DC Auto Show, the Annapolis Boat Shows, and Healing Appalachia. Access Appalachia grew directly out of lessons learned from this work—identifying gaps in digital access, discovery, and infrastructure for small businesses and rural destinations.

Ben relocated to West Virginia through the Ascend WV program and is actively involved in the state’s outdoor community. He is a founding board member of the Greenbrier Valley Off-Road Biking Association (GVORBA) and a coach for the Greenbrier Valley Hellbenders NICA mountain bike team.

Chris Kehmeier is the Executive Director of Pisgah Area SORBA and a recognized leader in sustainable trail design, volunteer engagement, and community-driven outdoor infrastructure development. With more than 15 years of experience spanning 40+ states and 11 countries, he has helped communities design trail systems that endure – physically, financially, and socially – through his work with IMBA Trail Solutions, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, and C2 Recreation Consulting. His work is grounded in the belief that well-designed and well-maintained trails are long-term assets that protect natural resources, adapt to changing use, and deliver lasting value to the communities that invest in them.

Matt Knott is the CEO of Bound for Adventure and a 31-year veteran of the outdoor adventure industry. He began his career as a river guide in 1994 while studying business administration at Shepherd College, later purchasing River Riders with his wife, Laura, at age 24. Together, they have grown the company into a multi-brand, multi-location, full-service adventure and hospitality platform hosting over 100,000 guests annually. Matt has led expansions into ziplining, snow tubing, lodging, food, and waterparks, and has partnered with private equity to scale sustainably. He holds an MBA from MIT Sloan and is a recognized industry and civic leader.

Corey Lilly is the Outdoor Community Development Manager with the WVU Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, where he works with communities across West Virginia to leverage outdoor assets in ways that support local businesses, cultural heritage, and long-term economic opportunity. He brings extensive experience in outdoor recreation, public service, and community-based development, including previous roles leading watershed work and helping build the outdoor sector of the economy in the New River Gorge region. A governor-appointed West Virginia Flatwater Commissioner and lifelong West Virginian, Corey offers a deep understanding of how outdoor recreation, place, and local economies intersect on the ground.

Heather M. Stephens, Ph.D., is a nationally recognized economist and Professor and Director of the Regional Research Institute at West Virginia University, where she leads research on regional economic development and policy impacts across diverse regions. She is also a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution’s Center for Sustainable Development. Her work spans energy, environmental quality, entrepreneurship, labor markets, health, and regional growth, and has been published in leading academic journals. Dr. Stephens serves is the founding co-editor of the journal Reaching Regions. Her career includes leadership roles in academia, applied research, and economic development. She previously served two terms on the Bureau of Economic Analysis Advisory Council. She loves the outdoors, especially hiking, and spent two summers working as a U.S. Park Ranger.

Gayle Conelly Manchin was sworn in as the Appalachian Regional Commission’s thirteenth federal co-chair on May 6, 2021, becoming the first ARC Federal Co-Chair from West Virginia.

Nominated by President Biden, Manchin works directly with ARC’s 13-member governors—one of whom is appointed annually as States’ Co-Chair—their state alternates and program managers, and a network of local development districts. Together they collaborate to build greater community capacity and strengthen economic growth throughout Appalachia, which increases the region’s ability to compete nationally and globally.

An alumna of West Virginia University, Manchin worked as an educator in Marion County Schools, served on the faculty of Fairmont State University, and was the director of the university’s first Community Service Learning Program. She later directed the AmeriCorps Promise Fellows in West Virginia. Manchin previously served as West Virginia’s First Lady and was appointed to serve as a member of the State Board of Education, serving her last two years as president at both the state and national level. She was the chair of the Board for Reconnecting McDowell, Inc., an AFT initiative serving rural West Virginia, is a past president of the Vandalia Rotary Club of Charleston, and is an emeritus member of The Education Alliance.

In addition, she served as cabinet secretary for the West Virginia Office of Education and the Arts, and as co-founder of the WV Public Education Collaborative, Manchin served as the Board Chair until her appointment to the ARC.

Manchin believes in the power of partnerships and advocates for collaboration across Appalachia’s 13 states. As ARC Federal Co-Chair, her top priorities are to support the creation of greater economic opportunities in the Appalachian Region, increase broadband access and critical infrastructure in all Appalachian communities, and work to restore hope and purpose to lives upended by the opioid crisis, all through a cross-regional, multi-state approach

Eric Oberg gained his appreciation and love for the outdoors being born and raised in Alaska. His trail interest was piqued when he and his future wife trained long-distance sled dogs near Denali National Park for three years. Eric turned the love of trails into an exciting and rewarding career. After leading trail-building crews for Denali National Park for six years, he looked to broaden his career, and the opportunity to join Rails to Trails Conservancy presented itself in 2007. In the years since, he has worked extensively throughout the Midwest and entire country with trail groups, decision makers and business leaders on trail projects of all shapes and sizes. After 25 years in the trail industry Eric has been privileged to experience a wide range of projects and places that show how impactful trails and access to safe places to walk, bike and be healthy outdoors. In his spare time Eric enjoys long distance bike rides, kayaking and great local beer.

Matt is the Communications & Marketing Director at Destination by Design, a multidisciplinary placemaking & economic development firm. He oversees place branding and marketing projects and develops communication strategies that enhance and promote quality of life. Matt holds a Master’s degree in Communications and a B.S. in Recreation & Tourism Management. He is passionate about helping communities uncover their true essence and communicate a shared vision.

Jessie Powers is the Executive Director of the Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia (ORCA), a council of governments, managing and developing the Baileys Trail System in partnership with the Wayne National Forest. Jessie grew up in North Carolina and Mississippi, but spent countless holidays and summers visiting extended family in Hocking County, Ohio. Prior to her role as Director, Jessie served as Athens County Regional Planning Director, worked in the community development field at local and state levels, and is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer. Jessie is a passionate public servant, and her experiences in the United States and abroad inform how she approaches challenges and pursues opportunities in rural Appalachian Ohio. Jessie and her family enjoy spending time outdoors and love adventures involving hiking, biking, and camping.

Jonathan is a seasoned multidisciplinary project manager with over a decade of experience leading design and structural initiatives across the U.S. He specializes in environmental design and wayfinding systems that help communities connect with place, guided by the Hawaiian value of Aloha ʻĀina. Jonathan has worked nationwide to develop signage strategies that reflect local identity and landscape. Outside of work, he’s often exploring trails, surfing, or bouldering with his family.

Melanie Seiler is the founding Executive Director of Active SWV with 20 years’ experience in business ownership and management, an associate degree in Adventure Sports and B.S. Adventure Recreation Management, certified instructor in the following: Work@Health, National Diabetes Prevention Program, and numerous recreation instructor certifications. Named one of West Virginia Executive’s 2017 Generation Next 40 Under 40 professionals. Named one of West Virginia Living 2019 Wonder Women. Recently represented Team USA internationally at the World Rafting Championships.

Jessica Sutton is the Outdoor Community Development Manager with the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, where she works with communities across West Virginia to advance outdoor projects that strengthen local economies and quality of life. She brings more than 20 years of experience in state and local public service, along with hands-on leadership as the founder and chair of a local trails nonprofit in the Elkins area. Jessica’s work sits at the intersection of community planning, outdoor infrastructure, and long-term stewardship, giving her a practical, on-the-ground perspective on what it takes to turn outdoor assets into lasting community benefit.

Dr. Danny Twilley is the Assistant Vice President of Economic and Community Development at West Virginia University, serving out of the Provost’s Office. In this role he and the team utilize asset based economic development by investing in people and place to support talent attraction and retention programs including the remote worker initiative, community and economic development, asset development and enhancement, business and
workforce programs, and research all to make West Virginia the premier place to live, work, play, go to school, and do business. He approaches this work by developing effective collaborations and partnerships across the University, state and local governments, non-profits, industry, and related groups to stand-up and advance initiatives.

Through his and the team’s work he has helped secured over $50 million in external funding through federal, state, and philanthropic partnerships.  Additionally, he has supported partnering organizations in applying, receiving, and executing $20+ million in funding. In his academic role he has published numerous journal articles, book chapters, technical reports with a research interest centering on community evaluation, population trends, factors to talent retention and attraction, how recreation transforms people and place which includes the psychological outcomes of leisure engagement, recreation’s role is community development, and the socio-economic impact of recreation-based development.

Tracey Valach is a visionary educator and outdoor enthusiast dedicated to bridging the gap between local communities and the natural wonders of West Virginia. As the founder and director of Nature’s Mountain Classroom (NMC) and the Adventure Pocahontas program, she has transformed the local landscape into a vibrant educational resource for students from preschool through 12th grade.

A resident of Snowshoe and an alumna of West Virginia University with degrees in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism and Communication Studies, Tracey recognized a disconnect in her community: while Pocahontas County is a world-class destination for outdoor tourism, many local children had never participated in the activities—such as skiing, hiking, or kayaking—available in their own backyards.

Guided by the mantra that “”not all classrooms have four walls,”” she pitched a “”wild idea”” to the Pocahontas County Board of Education in 2021. Her goal was to integrate outdoor recreation with state-mandated academic standards, ensuring that every student could develop lifelong skills and a deep appreciation for their home.

In 2025, her partnership with Pocahontas County Schools was named the West Virginia School-Business Partnership of the Year. She was recognized as the 2025 Tourism Person of the Year by the Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau for her role in fostering a new generation of “”Pocahontas County Ambassadors.””

Tracey is an avid outdoorswoman who finds her greatest satisfaction in watching her own two children and her students discover joy and confidence in the mountains. Beyond NMC, she has served as a Youth Nutrition Educator and a certified Kidding Around Yoga instructor, always seeking ways to promote the health and mindfulness of the “”whole child.””

Dr. Amanda Weinstein is the Director of Research, Knowledge, and Evaluation at the Center on Rural Innovation, where she leads a team in developing data-driven strategies rooted in real-world insight to build more innovative economic ecosystems that drive rural prosperity. With a Ph.D. in Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics from The Ohio State University, her work provides key insights into workforce development, entrepreneurship, and local quality of life and has been published in various academic journals, including Small Business Economics and the Journal of Regional Science. Her research has also been featured in various media publications, including the Daily Yonder, MarketWatch, Washington Post, Forbes, and TIME. She has advised a wide range of local, state, federal, and international organizations. Before earning her Ph.D., she was a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force.

Though Andy’s business card reads Executive Director, he is privileged to serve in many roles: father and husband, mentor and advocate, strategist and fundraiser, project manager, board member, and adventurer.

Andy brings decades of experience advancing outdoor recreation, community development, and cycling initiatives at both local and national levels. As Executive Director of the Adventure Cycling Association, he guides the organization’s work to inspire, empower, and connect people to travel by bicycle.

Prior to joining Adventure Cycling, Andy served as Director of Outdoor Economic Development for the Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative at West Virginia University, where he led infrastructure development, capacity-building programs, and statewide outdoor economy initiatives. Earlier roles include MADE X MTNS Director, Executive Director of the Outdoor Gear Builders of Western North Carolina, Director of Programs for the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), and principal at Active Strategies, supporting trail-based tourism and outdoor economies nationwide.

Andy and his family live in Northwest Arkansas and spend as much time as possible riding, hiking, traveling, and exploring the outdoors together.

Noah specializes in helping communities and organizations work together to build shared infrastructure and systems, and achieve economic & community development goals larger than any one organization could tackle alone. Noah serves as Director of Sector Development at Mountain Bizworks, a Community Development Financial Institution working to build a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial community in Western North Carolina by helping small businesses start, grow, and thrive. In his role there, he leads Mountain BizWorks’ initiatives to expand entrepreneurship and economic opportunity through place-based industry development strategies, with a special focus on the outdoor economy, craft/creative industry, and food systems.

Bill Woodrum is the Senior Program Officer for Community and Economic Development with the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.  In this role, he manages a broad portfolio of programs focused on building resilient communities and a vibrant economy for West Virginia.  Prior to his current role with Benedum, Bill co-founded the WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem and worked in several programs promoting economic development, technology commercialization, and small business development.

Bill’s career has been dedicated to public service. He has spent time as Executive Director of both regional and statewide non-profit agencies and worked for more than 20 years in university outreach.

Bill holds a Bachelor of Arts from Marshall University and received his Master of Science in Human and Community Resource Development from The Ohio State University. He lives in Winfield, WV with his wife and son on land that has been in his family since 1820.