contributors
Dawn Nolan
Dawn Nolan is a marketing and public relations consultant who has been freelance writing for more than a decade . An avid reader , she leads two monthly book clubs . Nolan holds bachelor ’ s degrees in English and psychology from Marshall University and lives in her hometown of Huntington , WV .
Amber Ravenscroft
Amber Ravenscroft is the director of innovation for The EdVenture Group , Inc . where she leads an impressive grant portfolio of educational programs centered on workforce development , entrepreneurship education and STEM innovation . She is extensively involved in ecosystem building efforts , serving as the cochair of the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem , co-chair of National Entrepreneurship Week and chair for the K-12 special interest group of the U . S . Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship .
Kent Sowards
Kent Sowards is the associate director and director of research for the Center for Business and Economic Research ( CBER ) and Appalachian Transportation Institute ( ATI ) at Marshall University . He has held multiple research and leadership positions during his 23-year tenure at CBER / ATI where he has provided research , policy analysis and legislative testimony focused on transportation , rural economic development , education and taxation issues .
Kristen Uppercue
Kristen Uppercue , a native of Martinsburg , WV , is the deputy editor of special projects at 100 Days in Appalachia and content manager at Reporting on Addiction , a collaborative project to improve the way journalists report on substance use . 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 .
Arianna Whitehair
Arianna Whitehair is a graduate of the University of Charleston and a Pinch , WV , native . She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and integrated communication and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in teaching through Marshall University . In her spare time , she enjoys reading , writing , painting and playing the violin .
Dale Witte
Dale Witte is the public relations specialist for Charleston Area Medical Center ( CAMC ). For the past 20 years , he has served as the primary spokesman and has facilitated media relations and coordinated communications and publications for CAMC .
MEET THE STAFF
Kensie Hamilton Fauber
Kensie Hamilton Fauber is the publisher and managing partner of Executive Ink , LLC . She holds bachelor ’ s degrees in corporate communications and journalism from Elon University and is a graduate of Leadership West Virginia . She lives in Elkview , WV , with her husband , Adam ; her daughter , Quinn ; and her twin sons , Cavan and Kieran . She may be reached at kmh @ wvexecutive . com .
Anna Moore
Anna Moore is a Western Kentucky native who has called West Virginia home for six years . She is the associate editor for Executive Ink , LLC . She holds a bachelor ’ s degree in journalism from Murray State University and currently resides in South Charleston , WV , with her husband , Blake .
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 . Toler may be reached at tracytoler @ yahoo . com .
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 , email info @ wvexecutive . com .
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 . Watkins currently resides in Hurricane , WV , with her husband , Brian , and her stepson , Maddox .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE