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MAGGIE HATFIELD
LEAH VANCE PHOTOGRAPHY
An Interview Sharp
with
Shooter
Diana Barnette
In 2019 , Diana Barnette — owner and vice president of Mining Repair Specialists , Inc . and owner and managing member of Holy Smoke Coal LLC and MRS Manufacturing , LLC — was named a Sharp Shooter by West Virginia Executive magazine for her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to her community . Today , those qualities remain true for her , as she adds another title to her resume : first female commissioner of Logan County . Barnette believes she is the perfect fit for this role because she has always had a great sense of responsibility and optimism .
“ I have been blessed ,” she says . “ We should all give back to our community , and I have the confidence to believe I can make a difference in Logan County .”
Barnette made history on December 29 , 2020 , when she was sworn in . All she could think about during the ceremony was making her family proud , being a role model to those who look up to her , rolling up her sleeves and getting started . The Logan County native has plans to move the county forward and watch it grow over the next six years .
“ Over the course of my term , my goal is to position Logan County as a model county in the Mountain State ,” says Barnette . “ I want to streamline county government , increase economic development and promote a healthy environment for our future . I want to prove we can rise up and create our own opportunities . Logan County and Southern West Virginia have been overlooked and underestimated for far too long . We are strong , hardworking , intelligent , caring people , and I would
love to help us grow and prosper like we never have before .”
Because she grew up in Logan County , Barnette feels a significant responsibility to the people in her hometown , many of whom she has known since childhood .
“ I am humbled and proud to serve my family and friends in Logan , and that ’ s what we are — family and friends ,” she says .
Barnette ’ s personal statement while running for office was : “ My passion and pride for Logan County is enormous . I am looking forward to a brighter future for our small town . Rising tides raise all ships .”
She is truly dedicated to the people in her community and has been able to give back in more ways than one . As a serial entrepreneur , Barnette is honored to provide jobs to her community and give her time to making Logan County better for future generations .
Even with her full schedule , Barnette still makes it a priority to give back to her community . She currently serves as a member of the Kiwanis Club of Logan West Virginia and Woman ’ s Club of Logan , a volunteer at WECAN of the Children ’ s Home Society of West Virginia , treasurer and board member of the Logan County Chamber of Commerce and Hatfield McCoy Convention & Visitors Bureau and board member of the West Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association . Although her plate is full these days , she still manages it all with a few helping hands .
“ I am surrounded by incredibly talented people , and I have amazing teams in place that will catch all the things I might drop as I juggle my responsibilities ,” she says .
“ I do , however , have to pay attention more to my time management .”
Barnette has always had the spunk and determination that lead to success , which was evident even at an early age .
“ My advice for young women who also want to run for office is to always know your strengths and weaknesses ,” she says . “ We all have attributes and abilities we can build on . Toot your own horn , market yourself , and don ’ t listen to the haters .”
Barnette is honored to take on her new role in government for her community and is ready to create a better future for the people of Logan County .
“ I would like to thank the amazing people of Logan County for allowing me to be a part of our future ,” she says . “ I am extremely grateful for their vote of confidence , and I will not let them down .” •
A Look at Logan County
• Logan County is home to the Hatfield McCoy Trail System , an off-road system with more than 900 miles of trails .
• The county was formed by the Virginia General Assembly in 1824 and named in honor of Chief Logan of the Mingo tribe .
• It has a population of approximately 32,019 .
• Logan County is home to more than 600 businesses .
• It was home to the largest labor uprising in U . S . history , the Battle of Blair Mountain , in 1921 .
Source : logancountywv . org .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE