contributors
Emily Pellham
Emily Pellham is a registered behavioral technician with Autism Therapy and Training . She received her bachelor ’ s degree in special education from Liberty University and has spent the last eight years serving those with special needs through therapy and education . She currently resides in Clarksville , TN , with her husband , Chad , and son , Henry .
Jennifer Potts
Jennifer Potts is a veteran educator who has worked with students in West Virginia public schools for the past 12 years . She has served in a variety of leadership capacities during that time . In addition to a bachelor ’ s degree in elementary education , she has also earned a master ’ s degree in gifted education and a Ph . D . in instructional leadership and management . Potts ’ research interests include data-driven decision-making in education and educational leadership . She currently resides in her home state of West Virginia with her husband , Brad .
Tracy Toler
Tracy Toler scaled
Seneca Rocks at the age of 5 and has been reaching new heights ever since . Through his business , Tracy A . Toler Photography , he has served as creative director and feature photographer for many of the region ’ s largest magazines . Known as Mr . McGyver , he can fix anything with a bobby pin , rubber band or Swiss Army knife . Toler may be reached at tracytoler @ yahoo . com .
Kristen Uppercue
Kristen Uppercue , a native of Martinsburg , WV , is the deputy editor of special projects at 100 Days in Appalachia and project manager at the Rural Digital Youth Resiliency Project . She holds a bachelor ’ s degree in journalism and master ’ s degree in integrated marketing communications from West Virginia University . Uppercue enjoys traveling and photography and spends most of her time behind a camera or a good book .
Alicia Willard
Alicia Willard is a vice president on the strategic communications team at Signal Group . Before joining Signal , she held multiple positions at IQ Solutions , Golin and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America . She is a graduate of West Virginia University , where she received her bachelor ’ s degree in public relations and a minor in communications . She lives in Cumberland , MD , with her husband .
Interested in pitching a story or being a contributor ? For story pitches , submit at least 100 words by email explaining the main points of the suggested story . Freelance writers should submit writing samples and a resume . For more information , contact Paige Kocourek at pkk @ wvexecutive . com .
MEET THE STAFF
Paige Kocourek
Paige Kocourek is a Wisconsin native and recent transplant to West Virginia . She holds a bachelor ’ s degree in business communications from the University of St . Thomas and is the associate editor for Executive Ink , LLC and its publications . Her passions include teaching others , cultivating positivity and rock climbing . She is currently pursuing a health coaching certification to play a crucial role in the health and happiness of those around her . She enjoys running and spending time in nature . Kocourek currently resides in Charleston , WV , with her fiancé .
Melanie Watkins
Melanie Watkins , a native of Shrewsbury , WV , is a partner and 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 , Watkins is active in CrossFit at Firebreather Fitness . She also enjoys baking , jigsaw puzzles and cross-stitching . Watkins resides in Nitro , WV , with her husband , Brian , and her stepson , Maddox .
Arianna Whitehair
Arianna Whitehair is a native of Pinch , WV , and the editorial and production manager for Executive Ink , LLC . She is a 2021 graduate of the University of Charleston with a bachelor ’ s in both English and integrated communication and is currently pursuing a master ’ s degree in teaching at Marshall University . In her spare time , she enjoys reading , writing , painting , playing the violin and spending time outdoors discovering all the wild and wonderful beauty the state has to offer .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE