Amy Haberbosch Wilson

By Jordan Charbonneau

Dedicated to the community and environment, Amy Haberbosch Wilson, executive director of Harrison Economic Development Corporation, strives to encourage economic growth and development while protecting the region’s natural resources and beauty.

Haberbosch Wilson’s parents instilled in her and her two sisters the value of hard work and community from an early age. After her parents graduated from West Virginia University (WVU), they bought a farm in Lumberport, WV, where they raised beef cattle, sheep and hogs. While farming, Haberbosch Wilson’s father also worked as a supervisor in the mining industry and later as an engineer for Appalachian Electric Power. After her sister received a cerebral palsy diagnosis, Haberbosch Wilson’s mother dedicated herself to advocating for individuals with disabilities.

These early experiences helped Haberbosch Wilson land her first job at age 14 as a short-order cook. She was taught to respect others, work hard and be humble. Haberbosch Wilson’s strong work ethic continued to be pivotal throughout her education and career. Like her parents, Haberbosch Wilson attended WVU, earning her degree in landscape architecture while maintaining a full-time job.

During this time, she became the planning administrator for the Region 6 Planning and Development Council. She says this position allowed her to pursue her passions for environmental planning and helping the community through grant writing, economic development, housing and road improvements.

In the following years, she continued to excel in her career while building a family. She and her husband, Chad, have five children and one grandson.

“I was lucky in all of my positions throughout the years to be able to raise my children and advance my career,” she says. “My family is everything to me, and my children are my greatest loves.”

In 2004, Haberbosch Wilson moved to Phoenix, AZ, and accepted a job as the director of planning and community development for the City of Maricopa. This position proved to be one of the most challenging and rewarding in her career. Maricopa quickly became the fastest-growing city in the U.S. To accommodate the influx of people, Haberbosch Wilson and the city planning team had to move fast while collaborating with public, private and nonprofit organizations and the community.

While she loved working in this fast-paced environment, she says country roads led her home to Harrison County, where working in small communities with limited resources created a unique set of challenges.

“From working in a rural community, then one of the fastest-growing places in the U.S. in 2004 to coming back to West Virginia, it has been a ride I wouldn’t trade for anything,” she says.

Beyond her work, Haberbosch Wilson strives to give back to her community by volunteering. Currently, she serves as president of Healthy Harrison, a Change Your State initiative by WVU Medicine and United Hospital Center; regional representative for the West Virginia Economic Development Council Board; chairperson for the Mid-Atlantic Aerospace Complex; president of the I-79 Development Council; and chairperson of the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce.

Over the years, she has also coached various sports, including the first girls’ varsity lacrosse team for Harrison County, which she and her daughter founded. Today she continues to serve in a variety of other organizations, including Women in Aviation International, Shinnston Lions Club, Shinnston Development Authority and as a sponsor representative for March of Dimes and United Cerebral Palsy.

In both her professional and volunteer life, Haberbosch Wilson hopes to continue supporting local communities.

“I was born and raised in West Virginia. This is home. I love the people, seasons, beauty, ruralness and the feeling of being home,” she says. “I am fortunate to live around family and friends, all while helping to grow the community.”