West Virginia Executive Spring 2021 June 2021 | Page 98

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James Hersick

Director of Strategy and Design Impact , Hersick + Webster Strategy + Brand Partners
OLIVIA MILLER
Photo by Laurel Webster .
JAMES HERSICK , director of strategy and design impact at Hersick + Webster design agency , is more than just an awardwinning graphic artist . He is a strategist , illustrator , photographer and entrepreneur who utilizes his passion as a creative and as a dedicated volunteer to make his local community and state a better place .
Hersick ’ s family moved to Ranson , WV , when he was in middle school . Growing up in rural West Virginia , he immersed himself in diverse experiences and subjects . As a child , he was a dreamer . His playgrounds were legendary Civil War battlefields , piquing his interest in history . His first job was as a paperboy , but his head was in the clouds as he dreamed of flying a space shuttle .
“ We were blue collar and proudly so , but my dad wanted more for my sister and me ,” says Hersick . “ He sparked a fire in us to want more and to never settle for less than what we are worth , even if others couldn ’ t see it . We were fully immersed in the American ideal that you could become anything you wanted
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE