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Young Guns
Kelley Goes while also leading the firm ’ s marketing and business development group .
“ Working with state lenders , bridging communications between state entities and the private sector , representing state entities — these are the types of legal and policy issues that I enjoy and where my unique experiences can add value to the client and , hopefully , the state ,” Goes says .
A large part of Goes ’ appreciation for public service comes from working alongside Manchin . She explains that he
MEGAN BEVINS JOHN SIBOLD
greatly facilitated her understanding of the complex policies and agencies .
“ You really do learn a great deal about a number of topics ,” she says .
Goes names many mentors that helped guide her throughout her career , including her father , mother and husband of almost 29 years . She says without their support , she would not be where she is today .
She also expresses gratitude to Manchin , who helped her elevate her career .
“ I was so blessed to learn about leadership , governance , policy and public service from Joe and Gayle Manchin ,”
CLASS OF 2008
When Kelley Goes was selected for the Young Guns Class of 2008 , she was serving as secretary of commerce for Governor Joe Manchin . When Manchin was elected senator , Goes followed him , becoming his U . S . Senate state director . In this role , Goes was instrumental in ensuring West Virginia ’ s interests were well-represented in the country ’ s capital . Her time with Manchin helped her experience first-hand the relationship between government and nonprofit organizations and how public service can improve lives .
In 2013 , Goes felt a pull to return to the private sector to continue working on the state policy level . She joined Jackson Kelly PLLC , initially focusing on government relations and economic development . Her career at Jackson Kelly has since evolved , as she now works in public finance and commercial lending
“ I was taught that public service is a literal term and that policy decisions should be carefully considered from all aspects — intended and unintended consequences .”
helped her understand the importance of decisions made on the state policy level and find her role in improving the lives of West Virginians .
“ You cannot work for Joe Manchin and not come away with an appreciation for how government and nonprofits can make life better for West Virginians ,” she says . “ I was taught that public service is a literal term and that policy decisions should be carefully considered from all aspects — intended and unintended consequences .”
Goes ’ dual role allows her to engage in many different legal and policy issues . She explains that she is focused on more than just statewide issues and departments ; rather , she deals with a variety of things that make her job interesting and keep her on her toes in her day-today at Jackson Kelly PLLC .
Goes ’ transition from public service in Washington , D . C ., back to the private sector was not without its challenges , particularly adjusting back to the billable hour rather than the fast-paced and sporadic environment she was used to . However , her years working as state director and secretary of commerce have she says . “ I only hope that I get opportunities to give back to organizations that will carry that knowledge forward .”
Aside from these , Goes says she had countless other mentors and has considered all her experiences , both positive and negative , lessons to learn from . This has allowed her to grow continuously and approach each new role with confidence and enthusiasm .
As someone who once overthought her career moves , Goes now advises others to take the plunge when considering a career change , emphasizing that mistakes are part of the learning process and that regret is far worse than any failure .
“ Find your hard no , and if the opportunity doesn ’ t violate that no and you feel excited by the possibility , just go for it ,” she says .
Goes ’ career journey proves that no matter where your focus lies or which sector you work in , public service remains a crucial component in improving the lives of West Virginians . As a Young Gun in 2008 and still today , Goes shows this commitment through her dedication and impactful work . •
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE