Megan Hannah

Megan Hannah, senior manager of government and external affairs at West Virginia American Water, embodies what it means to be an achiever. She has spent her life defining her own standards of success, and she works to accomplish her dreams. Hannah overcomes obstacles and prioritizes others, inspiring those around her through her unwavering commitment and leadership.

Hannah grew up in Winfield, WV, where she currently lives with her husband and son. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in public relations with minors in athletic training and history from West Virginia Wesleyan College. She also received a Master of Science in integrated marketing communications from West Virginia University.

Initially drawn to athletic training, Hannah shifted her focus to public relations while attending college alongside her twin sister, who was studying the same field. Fascinated by her sister’s schoolwork and projects, Hannah changed her major. Following graduation, she started her professional journey at a government and public affairs agency in Charleston, WV.

For the past decade, Hannah has worked at West Virginia American Water, overseeing all customer communication, including bill messaging, social media, customer education campaigns and crisis communication. She also directs the company’s government relations and serves as a lobbyist.

“It’s been the most challenging and rewarding job I’ve ever had, and though it’s incredibly difficult, I love the challenge. In my line of work, I’m on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year,” she says. “There are customers at the end of every water pipe who depend on me and my team to provide them with information when an emergency happens.”

While Hannah reaches deep each day to achieve ambitious career goals, she considers her greatest success to be her role as a working mother.

“Women can have it all. We can be career-driven, we can be mothers, and we can be amazing at both. Of course, I do it all with the help of my incredible husband and our village,” Hannah says. “My son sees me achieving my biggest dreams, and I get to see him achieving his. Having that work-life balance is so important to me, and I’m so proud to be a working mother.”

For Hannah, this balance extends beyond her career and family and into community service.

“I think one of the most rewarding things we can do in our personal lives is serve others with our time and talents,” she says.

Hannah’s service is woven into the tapestry of her life. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Central West Virginia and the YWCA of Charleston. Her community engagement runs deeper as she also volunteers in multiple other capacities.

At Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Hannah actively participates in a variety of activities, including worship team singing, youth Bible fellowship teaching, Vacation Bible School teaching
and Upward basketball and cheerleading volunteering.

Hannah has found ways to intertwine family with service by assisting with the Winfield Little League and­—her favorite—volunteering in her son’s classroom. Her dedication to West Virginia reflects her personal choices and upbringing.

“I was born and raised in West Virginia, and I’ve chosen to stay here to raise my family,” says Hannah. “I’m proud to be a West Virginian, and I’m proud to contribute to the betterment of this great state.”