contributors
Cathy Bonnstetter
Cathy Bonnstetter has covered statewide business news for more than a decade . She also spent many years as an adjunct professional writing instructor at West Virginia University ’ s Reed College of Media . She resides in Morgantown , WV , with her husband , Dennis , and recently published her first children ’ s book , “ Nugget ’ s Haircut .”
Blair Dowler-Wade
Blair Dowler-Wade is a senior marketing specialist for United Bank , where she leads efforts in public and media relations for several of United ’ s markets . She also serves as an adjunct instructor in the West Virginia University ( WVU ) John Chambers College of Business and Economics teaching digital and social media marketing . She holds a bachelor ’ s degree in public relations and a master ’ s degree in integrated marketing communications from WVU . In her free time , Dowler-Wade enjoys reading , traveling and being outdoors . She currently resides in Parkersburg , WV , with her husband , Jacob , and their son .
Jean Hardiman
Jean Hardiman is a freelance writer from northern Ohio who moved to West Virginia more than 20 years ago . Previously , she worked as a longtime reporter for The Herald-Dispatch , covering health care , education and economic development throughout the state and region . Hardiman lives in Huntington , WV , with her family , and as a writer , she loves to shine a light on the amazing people and organizations and positive developments in the Mountain State .
Maggie Hatfield
Maggie Hatfield is the communications and development specialist for the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph , an organization of women who minister to the needs of the communities in which they serve . Hatfield is a graduate of West Virginia University , where she received her bachelor ’ s and master ’ s degrees in journalism . She resides in Owensboro , KY , with her husband and two cats .
Kevin Jones
Kevin Jones is a communications major with an emphasis in film at West Virginia State University ( WVSU ) and an intern in the WVSU Communications Department . After graduating from Capital High School and Carver Career Center with an associate degree in drafting , he took an interest in the communications field for its creative and social aspects . Jones hopes to pursue a career that will allow him to use his lifelong passion of creating and telling the stories of others . He currently lives in Elkview , WV , with his fiancé .
Lori Kersey
Lori Kersey is the public information officer for the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department and a freelance writer . A native of Sissonville , WV , she previously worked for eight years as a reporter and editor for the Charleston Gazette-Mail . She is a graduate of Marshall and Morehead State universities . Kersey currently lives in Charleston , WV , with her two cats . In her free time , she enjoys running and blogging .
Brittany McClung
Brittany McClung is an educator , writer and communications professional who currently teaches seventh and eighth grade English at Charleston Catholic . A native of Beckley , WV , she holds a bachelor ’ s degree in English and integrated communication and a master ’ s degree in strategic leadership , both from the University of Charleston . In her spare time , McClung enjoys reading , crafting and advocating for mental health . She currently resides in St . Albans , WV , with her husband , Joshua .
Olivia Miller
Olivia Miller is the communications specialist for the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University ( WVU ). She is an integrated marketing communications graduate student at WVU and holds a bachelor ’ s degree in journalism . In her spare time , she freelances as a writer , photographer and videographer . A native of Hendricks , WV , Miller has a passion for traveling , writing and adventuring .
MEET THE STAFF
Melanie Boyd
Melanie Boyd , a native of Shrewsbury , WV , is the graphic designer for Executive Ink , LLC and its publications . She holds a bachelor ’ s degree in graphic design from Marietta College and previously worked as the designer for the West Virginia Education Association . In her spare time , Boyd is active in CrossFit at Firebreather Fitness and has participated in several 5k runs around the state . She also enjoys crossstitching and jigsaw puzzles . Boyd resides in Nitro , WV , with her fiancé , Brian .
Samantha Cart
Samantha Cart is the editor in chief for West Virginia Executive and Discover West Virginia magazines . A native of Buffalo , WV , she holds bachelor ’ s and master ’ s degrees in journalism from West Virginia University . In her spare time , Cart serves as a youth leader at Buffalo Church of the Nazarene and volunteers with Putnam County 4-H and the Come and Serve Team . Cart currently lives in Hometown , WV , with her husband , Dr . Caleb Cart , and their dog , Wednesday . She can be reached at sdc @ wvexecutive . com .
Connie Conrad
Connie Conrad is a marketing and advertising associate for Executive Ink , LLC . A native of Capon Bridge , WV , she holds a bachelor ’ s degree in public relations from West Virginia University . She coaches youth soccer and baseball , serves as a Cub Scout den leader and is active in her church . She lives in Fairmont with her husband , twin sons and niece . She can be reached at clc @ wvexecutive . com .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE