Chief Communications Officer and Owner, Charles Ryan Associates
LinkedIn: Alisha G. Maddox
Facebook – Alisha Grass Maddox
Email – amaddox@charlesryan.com
Written by Katie Allie
Alisha Grass Maddox’s success does not just stem from her role as chief communications officer and owner at Charles Ryan Associates (CRA). Maddox’s success comes from giving generously of her time to those in need and focusing on what’s truly important in her job and family, as well as the obstacles she has overcome along the way.
Born and raised in Charleston, Maddox attended Marshall University, where she enrolled in a journalism class on a whim and went on to earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism and mass communications. At 21, she was hired as a staff writer for The State Journal, which took her on reporting adventures across the state and eventually led to a position at CRA, where she constantly puts her people skills to work as the manager of the client services staff in the Charleston office.
When asked about her greatest success, the mother of two says finding a balance between work and family has been vital. That balance has not always come easily, especially since Maddox recently faced a major personal challenge: cancer. In early 2015, she was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and later that year, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. While she could have easily given up, Maddox approached her health and recovery with tenacity and resolve.
“I allowed myself 48 hours to feel sorry for myself after each diagnosis, and then I got to work and became very focused on what I had to do to survive,” she says. “I took one day at a time, and I shifted my priorities. I was terrified, but I focused on my faith and leaned on the strength and support of my family and friends.” Maddox has documented much of her battle on social media in hopes her story will help others who are dealing with similar situations. She remains positive and motivated to live her best possible life, and she wants her legacy of fighting back to be one her children will appreciate. “I hope one day my kids know how hard I fought and can learn from it,” she says.
As a reporter, Maddox once had the opportunity to interview Maya Angelou. The encounter both inspired Maddox and taught her an important lesson: to treat others how she wants to be treated—with kindness, respect and compassion. She applies that lesson on a daily basis, not just through her job but in her community. She volunteers for causes close to her heart, especially those that impact children. “With two young kids in the public school system and having worked on several statewide public education campaigns for clients, I’ve seen the challenges we face as a state,” she says. “I’d like to see my kids and many others not only want to stay in West Virginia but have job opportunities and the financial means to do so. That’s why I am focused on a number of education-based projects.”
Maddox is co-founder of the WV Visionary Team, a group of business professionals committed to working with educators on inspiring, encouraging and elevating students, and a member of the state superintendent’s Stakeholders Advisory Council. Much of her time is spent as a project leader for Explore the New Manufacturing, a statewide education initiative. She also actively supports the state’s Simulated Workplace program and has participated as a judge for the West Virginia Simulated Workplace Ad Agency Project Pitch. She recently partnered with The Education Alliance and West Virginia Department of Education on technology-specific donation efforts for schools impacted by the June 2016 flooding. “I volunteer with initiatives I believe will better West Virginia and the people who live and work here,” she says. “I’m involved in projects that hopefully will allow my kids and others a sustainable future here at home.”
While life has thrown her some curve balls, Maddox has stepped up to the plate and faced them head on. What she has learned through both personal and professional challenges are lessons she wants to share with others. “Enjoy every day, even if it’s not been the best, because time goes very quickly,” she says. “See the positives in every situation. Know that no matter how tough life is, someone has it even tougher, and be kind.”
What is your favorite . . . ?
Color – I don’t have a favorite!
Food – I love Italian
Cartoon Character – Jerry, “Tom and Jerry”
Ice Cream – Rocky road
Animal – Horses
Book – “Raw Faith”
App – Facebook
Midnight Snack – Nachos and cheese
Super Hero – Wonder Woman
Video Game – Tetras
Comic Book – I don’t think I’ve ever read a comic book.
TV Show – “Big Brother”
Movie – Love comedies
Smell – Honeysuckles
Sport Team – I plead the fifth.
Car – I like practicality – Chevy Tahoe
Pet – Scott and I have four dogs: three boxers, Apollo, Creed and Toby, and our little mutt, Pedro.
Place – Lucerne, Switzerland
Small Local Restaurant – Lola’s Pizza
Season – Spring and fall
Era – Present
West Virginia Location – Nowhere is as beautiful as my family’s rustic farm nestled in the hills of southern West Virginia. My family and I still visit often, and the farmhouse and stable are full of memories – storytelling and marshmallow roasts around campfires, horseback rides and long walks. It is West Virginia – wild and wonderful.
West Virginia Activity – Whitewater rafting, Greenbrier Resort, West Virginia University football and basketball games, Marshall University football games
