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2010
2015
2020
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2007 Started Kingery & Company
2007 Established the John K . Clendenen Scholarship Fund
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2012 Daughter , Alexandra , was born
2012 Managed the YWCA Charleston centennial anniversary
2015 Coordinated the opening of the CAMC Cancer Center
2016 Started WV KIDS COUNT
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2018 Started The Retreat WV
2022 Started The Cottage at Northgate
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“ It ’ s bittersweet because it ’ s been 15 years without my dad , but at the same time , I know I ’ m making him proud ,” she says .
Today , Kingery is also the president and founder of The Retreat WV , a meeting , co-working and event venue established in 2018 in Charleston , WV , and The Cottage at Northgate , a venue established in 2021 featuring event space , meeting rooms and leased office space .
Her greatest career achievement was the opportunity to coordinate the opening of the CAMC Cancer Center in 2015 . Kingery ’ s father had received care at CAMC , so this endeavor had significant meaning for her . For Kingery , the most rewarding part was helping the staff , patients and families experience the healing environment of the stateof-the-art center in Charleston .
The drive to make a positive difference in the world and be a good role model for her daughter , Alexandra , keeps Kingery motivated . She loves to be creative ; however , there aren ’ t many options for children to do that in Charleston , so Kingery is currently working on plans to open a children ’ s art studio — The Creative Place .
“ I want my life to mean something ,” she says . “ Everything I do , I do for my daughter , Alexandra . She ’ s watching . She ’ s listening . I want to be a great role model for her and others . I believe investing in young people is a way to pay it forward . Investments come in the form of time , encouragement , advice , tough love and taking a chance on them .”
In the past , Kingery has served as the
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FestivALL Charleston strategic planning facilitator to spearhead the development of a new three-year plan to create , produce and present vibrant arts experiences and entertainment opportunities , serving as a catalyst for others to do the same .
Kingery is the current executive director of WV KIDS COUNT , advocating for West Virginian children ’ s needs . She has also served as the statewide coordinator of the Adverse Childhood Experiences Coalition of West Virginia .
She currently serves as a board member of YWCA Charleston . Kingery spearheaded the establishment of the John K . Clendenen Scholarship Fund , which provides a Capital High School senior with a scholarship , and she continues to support the foundation through fundraising efforts . To be awarded the scholarship , the student must write an essay surrounding her father ’ s motto for life : “ Treat everybody like a somebody .”
“ From the time I was in high school , I made a commitment to stay in West Virginia ,” Kingery says . “ I have spent the last 15 years doing what I love and loving what I do . My life ’ s work doesn ’ t feel like work . It feels like I ’ m living my dreams . As I jump into my next chapter , I am taking all that I ’ ve learned and will use it to create a better world for my daughter and a stronger state for her and other children to grow and have the choice to stay . By establishing new businesses , continuing my commitment to community service and mentoring young people , my wish is for others to embrace all that is good about living , working , playing and growing in West Virginia . •
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