West Virginia Executive Fall 2020 | Page 129

Lee Ann Campbell Haley

Chief of Staff for Laboratory Operations , National Energy Technology Laboratory , U . S . Department of Energy
Growing up in Keyser , WV , Lee Ann Haley , chief of staff for laboratory operations at the National Energy Technology Laboratory , displayed the grit and determination to tackle any obstacle that was in her way .
“ When I was younger , my mom would always tell me that , above all , I had grit , because during difficult and trying times , I have always been able to dig deep and persevere ,” she says .
Haley always knew she wanted to go to college and have a successful career , but it wasn ’ t until her third year at West Virginia University ( WVU ) that she chose the path toward becoming a U . S . Army aviator .
“ I went to airborne school as an Army ROTC cadet at WVU , where I jumped out of a plane more times than I had flown in one , and I became enthralled with the aviator lifestyle . After that , there was no turning back .”
Haley ’ s family played a huge role in her choice to serve in the military , and the work ethic and determination she learned from her parents and siblings were put to the test when she earned a four-year Army ROTC scholarship .
“ I was challenged with learning the ways of the military , balancing schoolwork and working to support myself financially ,” she says . “ These challenges led to my success in flight school because I was comfortable supporting myself while learning new technical and tactical skills as an aviator and military officer .”
After graduation , Haley was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army . She went directly to flight school , where she joined a competitive class of young professionals striving to become helicopter pilots .
She has held multiple leadership positions , including Army aviation officer , piloting a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter , and paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division ’ s Combat Aviation Brigade , where she was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom . Haley ’ s highest military awards and decorations include the Air Medal and the Combat Action Badge .
After her military tenure , Haley wanted to continue federal service working for the government . She served the U . S . Department of Veterans Affairs as a congressional liaison and a branch chief at the Board of Veterans ’ Appeals in Washington , D . C ., before returning home to the Mountain State . She continues this service today at the National Energy Technology Laboratory .
“ I enjoy the diverse mission of the laboratory operations center and the challenges that arise from supporting a robust research mission within the U . S . Department of Energy ’ s Office of Fossil Energy ,” she says . “ I enjoy working with professionals from different technical and administrative specialties to develop policies and procedures to improve and sustain a successful organization .”
MAGGIE HATFIELD
Haley in the Maier Foundation Music Studio .
TRACY A . TOLER PHOTOGRAPHY
Haley ’ s family is her main motivation for her career success .
“ I want my daughters to live in an environment where there are no constraints to their achievements , and I hope they see their mother as a strong leader who supports their goals ,” she says .
When she is not working full time or raising her family , Haley dedicates her time to giving back to her community . She is an active supporter of initiatives for veterans in West Virginia and across the country . She serves as a board member and program committee member for Operation Welcome Home in Morgantown and has worked with WVU ’ s Office of Global Affairs for the past two years to collaborate with Ukrainian female veterans through the Open World ’ s grant program .
Haley is a sought-after presenter and has been the guest speaker at several events at her alma mater . She also spoke at the Veterans Day Women of the Airborne wreath laying ceremony in Washington , D . C ., in 2004 after returning from a combat deployment in Iraq , and a quote from her speech is on permanent display at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial .
“ One of the Army ’ s core values is selfless service , which is at the forefront of my personal core values ,” she says . “ Serving West Virginia veterans is a combination of these values and my motivation and inspiration to serve the community .” •
“ If you ’ re going through hell , keep going .”
– Winston Churchill
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