Susan Hellems Lavenski
CEO & Owner Charles Ryan Associates
MAGGIE MATSKO
Photo by Robb Major / Charles Ryan Associates.
SUSAN HELLEMS LAVENSKI, CEO and owner of Charles Ryan Associates( CRA), credits her success to the grace of God, hard work, determination and the help of many people.
As a Lewisburg native, Lavenski’ s desire to climb the ranks was instilled in her as a very young girl.“ I definitely received my work ethic from my parents,” she says.“ I also have an inner drive to succeed— I have always pushed myself to work harder and longer, to be more dedicated than was expected.”
That dedication and work ethic has helped her excel in her career path. After graduating from Marshall University, Lavenski took on the position of special events coordinator for Children’ s Treatment Center, a nonprofit in Clarksburg, WV.“ This role gave me a great opportunity to work independently,” she says.“ I had to prepare and implement communications plans that included planning special events, garnering earned media and fundraising. It was a great learning opportunity.”
That job was a valuable stepping stone, but Lavenski had her sights set on a bigger dream.“ When I was in college, I set a goal
100
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE