State Policy Director, Berkshire Hathaway Energy Gas Transmission and Storage
By Paige Udermann
Many people shy away from challenges, but Jason Harshbarger, state policy director at Berkshire Hathaway Energy Gas Transmission and Storage (BHE GT&S), seeks them out. Whether it be through pursuing passions in his career, change-making through his work in the community or personal adventures like moose hunting in the Alaskan wilderness, grit and perseverance guide Harshbarger’s journey.
Leaders like Harshbarger make positive change a reality in the Mountain State. A Parkersburg, WV, native, Harshbarger feels a strong commitment to creating opportunities to push West Virginia forward, which is why he and his wife returned to the state after spending time in Lafayette, LA, where Harshbarger began his career after college.
His first role entailed performing formation evaluation and directional drilling on offshore oil and gas rigs. Between learning the ropes as a field engineer and having a few close calls with hurricanes, his experiences taught him invaluable lessons. He learned to embrace mistakes as growth opportunities, ask questions when in doubt and speak up when necessary, all while building an excellent work ethic.
This foundation led to almost 16 years at Dominion Energy, service as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates and his current role at BHE GT&S.
“As state policy director, I’m responsible for overseeing stakeholder engagement and relationship development with state, local and municipal elected officials, government agencies, community organizations and business groups,” Harshbarger says. “Along with this, I also work closely with our business development group to engage on economic development projects.”
Additionally, he was tasked with developing and implementing a philanthropic platform across the BHE GT&S 10-state operating footprint, where he continues to oversee day-to-day operations. While Harshbarger’s career is impressive, his dedication to the community is what truly stands out.
“I enjoy contributing to organizations that have a significant impact in our state,” he says. “Whether it’s driving economic development, creating jobs or providing meals or shelter for those in need, I’m passionate about seeing the vitality and prosperity for all West Virginians.”
One of Harshbarger’s greatest qualities is his motivation and follow-through. He consistently sets out to make West Virginia’s future brighter through serving on multiple boards and committees, such as the Gas and Oil Association of WV, West Virginia Business Roundtable, Governor’s One Shot, West Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce. All of these organizations share a similar mission: positioning West Virginia and its people in a place of growth, development and prosperity.
He also volunteers with Discover the Real West Virginia Foundation to help diversify the state’s economy and provide businesses with the resources it needs to succeed. Furthermore, he works with the Ritchie County Fairground Association to help revitalize the county’s fairground. Harshbarger also volunteers with additional organizations and local initiatives when needed, reads to pre-school classes and takes part in career day at local high schools.
“To me, giving back is about inspiring others to contribute, creating a ripple effect in improving the lives of West Virginians,” Harshbarger says. “It also fosters personal growth and a sense of fulfillment in knowing you have made a positive impact.”
Harshbarger is working hard to drive the state forward, and he feels he couldn’t do it without the support of his family.
“It is a choice my wife, Michelle, and I made to live here,” he says. “With my career, I could work anywhere in the world, but I take pride in where I was born and raised. Having to move away after college, I found myself wanting to move back home due to the state’s beauty and amazing people. I also want to be part of creating opportunities for our youth—like my daughter Mackenzie—so if they, too, want to stay in West Virginia, they can. I have a strong belief we can make West Virginia an even greater state.”
