By Amanda Larch
What does it take to become part of West Virginia Executive (WVE) magazine’s elite history of Young Guns? It’s more than just a nomination based on career success and a dedication to community service—though these certainly factor in. It involves a heart of gold mixed with the Mountaineer spirit. WVE recognizes the determination it takes to balance service to one’s community with simultaneous career excellence while also prioritizing family.
Perhaps as synonymous as gold and blue and green and white in the Mountain State is WVE and Young Guns: these two titles have gone hand in hand for more than 20 years. The Young Guns honors program was created to shine a light on those who selflessly serve others and work hard to ensure the Mountain State excels at all levels. These standouts rarely stop to consider themselves, focusing instead on how their work will affect the lives of others. WVE works to give these Young Guns, who personify the very ideals that make West Virginia so special, a moment in the spotlight and the recognition they deserve.
This year’s Young Guns photoshoot took place at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences and features the newly renovated Susan Runyan Maier Sculpture Garden. Construction on the garden began earlier this year and has resulted in several new features for the already well-known venue, including a tented pavilion, outdoor table seating and new sculptures.
“The Susan Runyan Maier Sculpture Garden has long been a beautiful space to host events and outdoor programming, but there was potential for so much more,” says Digital Marketing Coordinator Baily Turner. “President Al Najjar had a vision of creating a contemplative place to appreciate public art and expand programming in both the visual and performing arts. With assistance from Artistic Curator Jessica O’Hearn and partners like ZMM Architects & Engineers and GAI Consultants, he set forth to bring this idea to fruition.”
If you know an outstanding leader who is creating change in their community and profession, nominate them for next year’s class. Young Guns must have lived and worked in West Virginia for at least two years, be 43 years old or younger at the time of selection and have excelled in their career while maintaining an active role in their community. Nominations are accepted year-round and can be submitted at www.wvexecutive.com/nominate-a-young-gun.
Meet the 2021 class of Young Guns.
