Compiled by Kenzie Dye
When West Virginia Executive (WVE) selects inductees for its four awards programs—Young Guns (YG), Sharp Shooters (SS), Lawyers & Leaders (L&L) and Health Care Hall of Fame (HCHOF)—community service remains an important aspect for each. This story highlights past honorees who have continued that commitment through service in state government, including roles as delegates, senators and members of West Virginia’s executive branch.
West Virginia House of Delegates
Sean Hornbuckle
YG Class of 2026
D – Cabell, 025 & Minority Leader
Why did you get involved in the West Virginia House of Delegates?
I never envisioned serving in this capacity, but over a decade ago, an opportunity was presented to me by a friend. I declined several times but eventually couldn’t walk away from the chance to help people.
What have you learned since being in the House, and what motivates you to keep doing this work?
A lot of good can be done if the right people are involved and doing it for the right reasons. I keep doing this work because the state hasn’t reached the point where we’re consistently doing right by the people, so I want to be part of change.
Mike Hornby
YG Class of 2016
R – Berkeley, 093
What have you learned since being in the House, and what motivates you to keep doing this work?
I learned soon after being elected just how diverse our state truly is and that what affects Berkeley County does not necessarily affect other parts of West Virginia. Since taking office, I’ve been proud to visit most regions of the state, which has given me a much broader perspective and a deeper understanding of the experiences and viewpoints of my fellow members.
What advice would you give to those looking to run for the House?
Understand that serving in the House is a full-time commitment, especially if you live far from Charleston. Learn as much as you can, ask questions and listen to all sides of every issue, especially from those you represent. Most
importantly, stay grounded in why you ran in the first place and remember your role is to be a voice for your constituents.
Clay Riley
YG Class of 2005
R – Harrison, 072
What have you learned since being in the House, and what motivates you to keep doing this work?
I’ve learned every bill is important to someone, and it is my responsibility to understand the issue at hand, which in turn gives me the opportunity to help. I keep doing this work because I love my home and my state, and I want the best for the people who live here.
How does your community service for West Virginia Executive’s Young Guns Class of 2005 relate to your work in the House?
In 2005, I stated, “I get excited when I think about the fact that what I do will help other West Virginians continue to live in the state.” Now, my community and public service has more impact than 20 years ago, but the focus is still the same. My early years established the foundation of why and how I serve.
West Virginia State Senate
Robbie Morris
YG Class of 2017
R – Randolph, 11
Why did you get involved in the West Virginia State Senate?
In my career as the economic development director for Randolph County, I work to promote West Virginia as a great place to work and live. Being in the West Virginia State Senate allows me to help shape policy that makes that goal a reality.
What advice would you give to those looking to run for Senate?
Be true to who you are. Don’t run based on what you think the electorate wants to see or hear. Voters are smart. They recognize people who genuinely want to help them, their communities and their state.
Ben Queen
YG Class of 2021
R – Harrison, 12 & Majority Whip
Why did you get involved in the West Virginia State Senate?
I often tell people I ran for office because I wanted my college roommates to stay in West Virginia. Sitting in our apartment, the conversation was not about which opportunity to take here at home—it was about which state they were moving to. That never sat right with me. These were talented, driven young people who loved West Virginia. They just did not see the same level of opportunity here. I believed we could change that. Today, that mission is even more personal. As a father, my son is my north star. Every policy decision comes back to one question: Are we building a state where our kids can find opportunity, earn a great living and raise their families?
How does your recognition in West Virginia Executive’s Young Guns Class of 2021 relate to your work in the Senate, specifically as majority whip?
Being recognized as part of the Young Guns Class of 2021 was truly an honor. For me, that recognition reinforced a responsibility to serve well. As majority whip, I have the privilege of working closely with our members to ensure we are communicating clearly, collaborating effectively and delivering results across the entire state. At the same time, I never lose sight of the fact that I represent nearly 110,000 people in my district. Every vote, budget decision and policy discussion ultimately comes back to the people we represent.
Tom Takubo, D.O.
HCHOF Class of 2022
R – Kanawha, 17
What have you learned since being in the Senate, and what motivates you to keep doing this work?
Public service is a continuous responsibility. There is never an endpoint to the needs of our state. As a physician, I often can only help one patient at a time. In public service, I have the opportunity to positively impact thousands. One of the most meaningful moments is hearing testimonies from individuals whose lives or circumstances were improved by legislation I helped advance. Those moments reinforce why this work matters and why it’s worth continuing.
How does your community service for West Virginia Executive’s Health Care Hall of Fame Class of 2022 relate to your work in the Senate?
The same commitment that led to that recognition is what I bring to my work in the Senate. In medicine, we often say that if you truly listen, patients will tell you the diagnosis. Government works much the same way. When you listen to your constituents, they often provide the solution—they simply need guidance, advocacy and leadership to help bring it to fruition.
State Executive Positions
Larry Pack
HCHOF Class of 2022
West Virginia State Treasurer
What have you learned since being treasurer, and what motivates you to keep doing this work?
Over the past year, my team and I have traveled to each of West Virginia’s 55 counties. During that time, we have learned a lot, which has helped us become better advocates for the people we represent. West Virginians want better education, high-paying jobs and control of their own destiny. The problem remains that we continue to dictate what our people can and cannot do from Charleston.
The reality is that every part of the state is unique and has different needs.
What advice would you give to those looking to run for this position?
It’s important politicians serve the people rather than themselves. There are too many candidates who run on good intentions, but once they are elected, they only focus on what advances their own interests. We need more people who are interested in bringing forth real solutions that advance the interests of the people.
Chelsea Ruby
YG Class of 2022
West Virginia Tourism Secretary
Why did you get involved in the West Virginia Department of Tourism?
Before joining the Department of Tourism, I served as the executive director for the West Virginia Sesquicentennial Commission, planning the state’s 150th birthday celebration. It was an unforgettable experience that showed me firsthand how much pride West Virginians have in their state. I then transitioned to director of marketing and communications for the West Virginia Department of Commerce. For the past nine years, I’ve had the privilege of leading the state’s tourism department.
What have you learned since being in tourism, and what motivates you to keep doing this work?
There’s a magnetic pull that West Virginia has on people. Research proves we have a high return visitation rate in the state. I have loved seeing travelers fall in love with West Virginia. At the end of the day, travel inspires memories, and our job at the West Virginia Department of Tourism is to help people find those memories they’ll never forget.
Editor’s Note: Due to time constraints and scheduling conflicts, Speaker of the West Virginia House of Delegates Roger Hanshaw, member of the YG Class of 2017, was unable to participate.
D = Democrat, R = Republican
Number in each WVE awardee’s title indicates the district they represent.
Candidates for West Virginia State Senate
Joseph Eddy
SS Class of 2017
R – Ohio, 01
West Virginia is at a crossroads. The decisions we make in the next few years will shape whether our state thrives or struggles for the next generation. I’m not running out of ambition—I’m running out of purpose. After more than 45 years in energy, manufacturing and economic development, I understand what it takes to create and sustain good jobs, build businesses and keep our communities strong. My whole career has been about building things—companies, jobs and partnerships—and I’ve seen up close how bad policy and political games can stall investment, weaken our schools and drive families and opportunities out of our great state.
Steven Eshenaur D.O., MBA
SS Class of 2018 & HCHOF Class of 2025
R – Kanawha, 08
Serving in the West Virginia State Senate is a natural continuation of a lifetime of service that started when I enlisted in the West Virginia Army National Guard at age 18. West Virginia has many challenges, particularly a lack of good paying jobs, that need addressed by proven servant leaders who run toward the challenge, not away from it. West Virginia is in desperate need of opportunities for our current and future generations. As a father and grandfather, many of our children have moved out of state to find a job. My goal is to create opportunities in our state that will bring them home.
Jason Harshbarger
YG Class of 2018 & SS Class of 2025
R – Ritchie, 03
As a former member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of the legislative process. This experience, along with 30 years of business and energy industry knowledge, will enable me to be a strong advocate for the district and its constituents. My background is marked by significant professional experience and a proven record in legislative and policy matters and community service. I am well-versed in the needs and priorities of the district, and I’m prepared to address them effectively. Fueled by passion, knowledge and experience, I look forward to meaningfully representing and serving the Senate’s third district covering Pleasants, Ritchie, Wirt and Wood counties.
Chris Miller
YG Class of 2015
R – Cabell, 05
West Virginia has a history of extraction, and we don’t have much to show for it. With all of our natural resources—coal, natural gas, rare earth elements and water—there isn’t a reason why we aren’t the richest state in the country per capita. Our greatest export right now isn’t coal or natural gas—it’s our educated kids. We are also declining in population, which puts all of West Virginia at risk for the future. I’ve made a career out of buying and fixing businesses. We are going to create an economy that thrives and brings all our kids back home.
