Director & CEO, Robert C. Byrd Institute, and Vice President for Federal Programs, Marshall University By Kristen Uppercue Long before Charlotte Weber became the first female director and CEO of the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) and first female vice president for federal programs at Marshall University, she dreamed of being a teacher, lawyer, detective…
President & Managing Member, Bear Contracting, LLC and Bear Utilities, LLC By Amanda Larch & Samantha Cart Growing up in Clarksburg, WV, Mark Urso struggled with dyslexia and dysgraphia. While his challenges with reading and comprehension meant he had to put in twice as much as effort, it was his family’s support, his inclination for…
President, Manpower By Maggie Hatfield Growing up in Wilkesville, Ohio, Diane Strong-Treister acquired her business acumen at a very young age while working her first job as a store clerk for a local retail establishment that included a grocery store, gas station and restaurant. “At 14 years old, I ran the establishment while the family…
West Virginia Managing Director, The Monteverde Group, LLC By Olivia Miller Even after more than 20 years in the financial sector, Jason Haswell continues to show up at work every day with his mind set on learning something new. Growing up in Glendale, WV, his first job was on a farm bailing hay and building…
Executive Director, Berkeley County Development Authority By Amanda Larch & Samantha Cart Sandy Hamilton, executive director of the Berkeley County Development Authority (BCDA), would not be where she is today without her faith, which has always been her guide when choosing new career paths and service opportunities. “My career path was not intentional, but I…
Foreign investment is an important and growing sector of the Mountain State economy, and today it benefits from investments from 30 countries representing 136 companies that employ approximately 30,000 West Virginians. The West Virginia Development Office’s (WVDO) International Division works to ensure the state receives consideration when investors are reviewing location options because international companies that invest in the U.S. are typically good corporate citizens that offer quality jobs with competitive wages and benefits.