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
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE