Contributors
Pagett Kirtley
Pagett Kirtley is a freelance writer and published author from New York who fell in love with West Virginia when she first attended West Virginia University. She has now called this state home for more than 30 years. With years of experience in corporate communications, she currently supports Marshall Health Network marketing and communication initiatives. Kirtley lives in Barboursville, WV, and is passionate about writing on volunteerism and spreading kindness.
Ty McClung
Ty McClung is a freelance contributor for West Virginia Executive and graduate student at West Virginia University( WVU), where he is pursuing his master’ s degree in journalism. McClung is a native of Madison, WV, and graduated from WVU with a Bachelor of Science in journalism. In his free time, he enjoys reading, being outdoors and cheering on the Mountaineers.
Nathan Sanders
Nathan Sanders works as a policy and advocacy director for EdChoice. He is a member of his local chamber of commerce’ s leadership program and serves on his local Kiwanis board of directors. Sanders graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University, earning his Bachelor of Arts in business management. Sanders resides in Walker, LA, and is passionate about ensuring families have opportunities and a voice in their child’ s education, which is foundational in their child’ s future and the future of the communities that surround them.
McKenzie Stalnaker
McKenzie Stalnaker holds an associate’ s degree in strategic communication and a bachelor’ s degree in communication and media studies with a concentration in strategic communication. She is a West Virginia native and currently resides in Jackson County. Stalnaker is an avid reader, writer and painter with a particular passion for storytelling. She hopes to one day publish a book in honor of her grandmother, Diana, who ignited her passion.
Seth Stover
Seth Stover is the graphic designer for Executive Ink, LLC. He holds a bachelor’ s degree in integrated marketing from Glenville State University with a minor in graphic design. Stover currently resides in Wallback, WV, with his wife, Leslee. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking and spending time with his cats, Eddie and Lottie.
Tracy Straub
Tracy Straub is the strategic marketing manager for West Virginia University Industrial Extension, where she shares stories from West Virginia manufacturers and connects them with resources that support growth. A native West Virginian and Huntington resident, she holds a bachelor’ s degree from Marshall University. She enjoys documenting her travels around the world while drawing connections to her Appalachian roots and is the proud mother of two sons, Jacob and Trey.
Tracy Toler
Tracy Toler scaled Seneca Rocks at the age of 5 and has been reaching new heights ever since. Toler is the owner of Tracy A. Toler Photography. A mountain bike enthusiast, he is also the co-owner of Adventure Trail Systems and has built mountain bike trails all over West Virginia. Toler lives in Nitro with his two daughters, Sunny and Kaya. He may be reached at tracytoler @ yahoo. com.
Paige Udermann
Paige Udermann is a Wisconsin native who recently relocated to Minnesota after several years in Charleston, WV. Having spent her time in Almost Heaven working for West Virginia Executive, Udermann stays connected to the Mountain State by continuing to freelance as a writer. She holds a bachelor’ s degree in business communications from the University of St. Thomas. Udermann’ s love for writing is matched only by her passion for reading and enjoyment of the great outdoors. Udermann resides in Shoreview, MN, with her husband, Eric.
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 résumé. For more information, email info @ wvexecutive. com.
16
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE