Featured Articles

West Virginia’s legal professionals are more than advocates in the courtroom. They are mentors, leaders and changemakers who dedicate their time and talents to advancing justice and improving lives. From shaping policy to strengthening communities, their work touches every corner of the state and beyond. These individuals represent some of the very best of the profession, using their knowledge and influence to build a better future.

Emily Calandrelli has charted a course from the hills of West Virginia to the edge of space, proving the sky is not the limit when curiosity and determination collide.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is quietly reshaping the way people live and work. From predictive text and virtual assistants to advanced automation, AI is embedded in daily life—often in ways that go unnoticed.

Southern West Virginia is experiencing no shortage of new accomplishments, from vibrant arts and cultural initiatives to advancements in health care. This momentum would not be possible, however, without the dedicated and passionate community members and professionals driving the region toward its fullest potential.

While for many, mention of the Mountain State invokes only scenic views, rustic coal mines and a slower pace of life, West Virginia has been leaning into the fast-moving high-technology industry for decades with investments from top employers like the Federal Bureau of Investigations, National Energy Technology Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and U.S. Department of Defense.

As artificial intelligence (AI) and technology sectors continue to evolve, West Virginia companies are poised to take advantage of these advancements and make a place for themselves in the modern industry.

Across industries and state lines, the story of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is rapidly unfolding. GenAI systems like ChatGPT, Claude and Copilot are fundamentally changing professional workflows. Lawyers are leveraging GenAI to accelerate drafting, document review and summarization and written discovery. Educators are generating customized lesson plans.

In a world that is increasingly reliant on technology, strong cybersecurity is a matter of not only personal and business safety but also national security. With increasing needs as technology continues growing and developing, West Virginia
is positioning itself as a hub for cybersecurity. Specifically, West Virginia University (WVU) and Marshall University are paving the way with cybersecurity centers that are shaping the nation’s future.

Leaders across West Virginia have worked for years to build an economy that not only preserves the Mountain State’s heritage but also secures its future. From fostering homegrown tech startups to preparing residents for high-paying digital jobs, West Virginia’s emerging technology ecosystem is being shaped by partnerships, collaboration and a shared belief in the state’s potential.

As artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies reshape the business landscape, organizations across West Virginia are exploring how to adopt these tools while managing risks and maximizing value. In this story, industry leaders share practical advice on cybersecurity, AI adoption and smart strategies for leveraging emerging technologies.

Higher education institutions across West Virginia are stepping up to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity and technology professionals. Colleges and universities throughout the state are expanding programs, building industry partnerships and providing hands-on training to prepare students for careers in this critical field. Students are learning not just the technical skills of cybersecurity but also the ethical standards, practical experience and adaptability needed to protect infrastructure, businesses and communities.