Robbie Skinner
Mayor , City of Buckhannon
KEN MAGILL TRACY A . TOLER PHOTOGRAPHY
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ?
CAR : Black Ford F-150
MIDNIGHT SNACK : Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
PET : Black Labrador Retriever
SPORT TEAM : West Virginia Mountaineers
Robbie Skinner knew he wanted to be mayor of Buckhannon , WV , at a very young age .
“ I have loved Buckhannon my entire life , and I always had a strong desire to give back to this community in a big way ,” he says . “ I ’ ve known every street , landmark , business and house — and who lived there — my entire life .”
Skinner describes an idyllic childhood growing up in a neighborhood surrounded by family and friends .
“ Dad took my brother , cousins and me fishing on Sunday afternoons over at Stonewall Jackson Lake , and when I was old enough , he taught me how to
Skinner on location at Haddad Riverfront Park .
play golf , a hobby I still enjoy with him today ,” he says .
West Virginia is an important part of Skinner ’ s identity , and his grandfather instilled in him the value of exploring . He takes every opportunity he can get to explore the state to its fullest .
“ As a landscape photographer , the entire state of West Virginia is my playground . I have visited all 55 counties , hiked through every state park , driven thousands of miles on every state highway , captured breathtaking mountain scenery and challenged myself to see some of the most hidden and protected waterfalls and landscape views ,” he says . “ We are so blessed to live among such incredible natural beauty here in West Virginia , and I love seeing it all through every season .”
Skinner ’ s love of the Mountain State runs deep . When he took office as mayor of Buckhannon in July 2020 , he felt he was fulfilling a lifelong dream .
“ Each day presents its own set of opportunities and obstacles , but I love working directly with the people of my hometown ,” he says . “ I also love seeing my decisions , and the decisions our City Council makes , create visible , tangible , positive development in our community .”
Skinner ’ s biggest challenge as mayor came in October 2021 when a historic
building on Main and Spring streets caught fire , destroying the four businesses inside and the building ’ s second-floor apartments .
“ We lost so much that day : history , homes , businesses , personal belongings and an 18,000-square-foot structural anchor along our beautiful Main Street ,” he says .
Skinner knew it was crucial that he exude calm leadership to help pull his city through its loss . While the misfortune was heartbreaking , the disaster also brought out the best of Buckhannon . The chamber of commerce and visitors bureau provided drinking water for firefighters , and neighboring restaurants fed them that evening once the fire was out .
“ I ’ ve said on multiple occasions that Buckhannon is a family , and nothing was truer that day ,” Skinner says . “ We saw a terrible tragedy expose the very best of our community spirit , and for that , I was extremely proud to serve as mayor of a truly amazing city .”
As if fulfilling his mayoral duties isn ’ t enough , Skinner also serves on the boards of directors of the West Virginia Municipal League , Upshur County Development Authority , St . Joseph ’ s Foundation , Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce , West Virginia Strawberry Festival Association and Artistry on Main . He is also a charter member of Create Buckhannon , where he and other Buckhannon leaders focus on the preservation and growth of the city ’ s historic downtown .
“ I am driven to always give back to my community , region and state ,” he says . “ I am very involved in my community , aside from serving as mayor , and have been for many years . I love this community , and I had an extraordinary childhood growing up here . The drive to always give back comes from those experiences . I want to ensure that the next generations can enjoy their childhood in a Buckhannon that is even better than it was when I was young . Serving as mayor of my hometown is the ultimate labor of love .” •
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