Frank Vitale

Photo by Tracy A. Toler Photography.

By Arianna Whitehair

Faith and family are the driving forces behind Frank Vitale’s success. In addition to his wife and three kids, Vitale takes immense pride in his country and enlisted himself in the Army at just 17 years old.

“I will always consider my promotion to Army captain as my greatest professional achievement,” he says. “Leading men and women in the service of our nation has been the honor of my life.”

Serving as president and CEO of Forge Business Solutions, Vitale leads his company with a deeply rooted sense of determination that he earned through time spent fighting for our freedom.

“Starting Forge was the product of all the professional opportunities throughout my career,” he says. “As a business strategy firm, we utilize our experience and expertise to build customized solutions for our clients. As a former Army officer, bank executive and senior leader in the government services sector, I am able to offer value to business leaders and entrepreneurs. One of my greatest pleasures is supporting veteran entrepreneurs and their businesses.”

While the Army taught Vitale the value of resolve, he credits his father with showing him how to work hard, set goals and never give up.

“My father set an example of hard work and dedication,” he says. “After he passed away when I was 10 years old, his example guided my path and was the catalyst to do better for myself.”

Vitale also credits coworkers, family and friends with mentoring him and helping him grow into the person he is today.

“I have had many great mentors in my career,” he says. “My grandfather taught me the value of hard work and the importance of doing a good job, and I have learned from amazing military leaders, like Rear Admiral Virgil Hill Jr., who imbued in me a sense of commitment to excellence. My friend, John Fahey, taught me the importance of not taking yourself too seriously.”

Although Vitale grew up in Alloway, NJ, and graduated from Valley Forge Military College, he has always been a true Mountaineer at heart. Having earned both his bachelor’s in sociology and public policy and his MBA from West Virginia University (WVU), Vitale later served as a senior vice president in community banking serving multiple locations throughout the Mountain State.

With a heart of service and compassion, Vitale is always looking for ways to give back to others.

“I have dedicated my entire life to community service,” he says. “I have been given the opportunity to serve on several boards. In 2017, Governor Jim Justice appointed me to the West Virginia State Board of Education, where I served as the financial officer. I currently serve as a director for the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative, Country Roads Angel Network, WVU School of Public Health, TechConnect West Virginia and a few others. I have also served as chairman of the Morgantown Area Partnership board and the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties.”

Vitale is also an associate adjunct professor for WVU School of Medicine, has served on five different visiting committees and coaches the wrestling team at Mountaineer Middle School in Monongalia County.

In spite of his busy work schedule and ample philanthropic responsibilities, Vitale still makes time for what he values most: his family.

“I am blessed with a great wife and three healthy children. My greatest blessing is my family and our life together,” he says. “My wife, Ashley, is a successful professional in her own right and is a wonderful example to our son, Max, and twin daughters, Izzy and Cece. They make me want to be and do better.”

While not a native West Virginian, Vitale’s Mountaineer-like sense of ambition and unwavering patriotism shines through in everything he does.

“I love the state’s beauty and believe that I can make a positive difference in the lives of others,” he says. “I want to help more people reach their fullest potential.”