Chris Weikle
Senior Government Affairs Manager , Southwestern Energy
BRITTANY MCCLUNG TRACY A . TOLER PHOTOGRAPHY
“ Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer but the right answer . Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past . Let us accept our own responsibility for the future .” – John F . Kennedy
By accepting responsibility for his future , Chris Weikle faced careeraltering challenges that could have defeated him but instead made him into the professional he is today .
A graduate of West Virginia University ( WVU ) and West Virginia University College of Law , Weikle holds a bachelor ’ s degree in political science and a Juris Doctor . He also attended Pepperdine University in London , England , where he studied international sports and entertainment law .
After law school , he faced a challenge that would change the trajectory of his entire career . He did not pass the bar exam and was left feeling discouraged and lacking full-time employment . Weikle was able to overcome this obstacle by working odd jobs , selling insurance and investments , doing freelance work for ad agencies , drafting bills for legislative services and volunteering on then-Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin ’ s first gubernatorial campaign . He was then hired by the campaign to do fundraising and financial compliance .
After Tomblin won the special election for governor , Weikle was hired as his deputy director of public policy . During this time , Weikle developed , wrote and strategically communicated legislation on a broad range of policies , including energy , education and government efficiency . He has also served as the deputy director of government relations and advocacy with LGCR Government Solutions LLC .
Not only did Weikle play an integral role in the campaign , he considers one of his greatest successes to be helping pass Tomblin ’ s 2013 Education Reform Bill and being part of the team that helped present the case to Tomblin to expand Medicaid in West Virginia .
According to Weikle , keeping his nose to the grindstone kept his name out there and ultimately led him to his current job as senior government affairs manager at Southwestern Energy , where he works with local , state and federal officials to implement policies that create a safe , environmentally responsible and efficient means to produce oil and natural gas . He enjoys building friendships with people and working for a company where the mission is at the forefront of everything it does .
“ It ’ s easy to advocate for Southwestern . We are an industry leader in emissions reductions and water conservation ,” he says .
Weikle believes his passion for making a difference has had the greatest influence on his success — something he inherited from his mother .
“ I always looked up to my mom being involved in so many things to better the community ,” Weikle says .
Much like his mother , giving back to his community is a key part of Weikle ’ s life .
“ I like to be involved through my church because they do so much good and connect with so many different parts of our community ,” says Weikle .
As part of this passion he helps oversee the operations and activities at First Presbyterian Church , prepares meals at Manna Meal , reads stories and does facility work at Charleston Montessori School and was on the board at Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central West Virginia .
Weikle believes the Mountain State is filled with great opportunities , lifelong connections and friendships waiting to be made . These are just a few of the reasons he and his wife , Kelly ; daughter , Ainsley ; and son , Landon , choose to live and work here .
“ West Virginia made me the person I am today ,” he says . “ I want to be a part of enhancing the state ’ s advantages so others can discover the benefits of West Virginia as a home .” •
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ?
SUPERHERO : Spider-Man
MIDNIGHT SNACK : Chocolate chip cookies and milk
CAR : Mercedes Benz G-Class
PLACE : Hilton Head Island
Weikle on location at The Landing at Marshall University , an apartment complex for Marshall University students , facility and staff .
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