contributors
Caitlin Ashley-Lizarraga
Caitlin Ashley-Lizarraga is the manager of international trade at the West Virginia Department of Economic Development . She received her undergraduate degrees in international affairs and theatre from Sweet Briar College in Virginia and completed her MBA at the University of Charleston . She currently lives in Charleston .
Ednilson Bernardes
Ednilson Bernardes is a professor of supply chain management . He founded the Global Supply Chain Management Program at West Virginia University and is an IDEA Fellow with the Hayhurst LaunchLab . Bernardes is an FAAlicensed pilot and enjoys biking on the Mountain State ’ s trails .
Cathy Bonnstetter
Cathy Bonnstetter has covered statewide business news for more than a decade . She also spent many years as an adjunct professional writing instructor at West Virginia University ’ s Reed College of Media . She resides in Morgantown , WV , with her husband , Dennis .
Moore Capito
Moore Capito is a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates , representing the 35th District in Kanawha County . He is a shareholder at law firm Babst Calland , where he represents publicly traded , privately held and emerging technologies companies .
Rachel Coffman
Rachel Coffman , president and founder of Coffman Collaborative LLC , is an experienced strategist specializing in governmental affairs and public relations . Coffman received her bachelor ’ s degree in mass communications at Marshall University and her master ’ s degree at the University of Charleston .
Scott Cosco
Scott Cosco is a member of the government relations firm Hartman Harman Cosco ( H2C ). Prior to H2C , he was manager of governmental and external affairs for Frontier Communications . Before working for Frontier , Cosco served in several capacities for Governor Joe Manchin , now a member of the U . S . Senate .
Brian Dayton
Brian Dayton has been with the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce since June 2012 . A native of Moundsville , WV , Dayton has a degree in political science from West Virginia University ( WVU ) and received his master ’ s in public administration from WVU . Dayton and his wife , Ashley , reside in Hurricane .
John Deskins
John Deskins is the assistant dean for outreach and engagement , director of the Bureau of Business & Economic Research and an associate professor of economics in the John Chambers College of Business and Economics at West Virginia University . Deskins holds a Ph . D . in economics from the University of Tennessee .
Paul Dick
Paul Dick is a 2007 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh . Dick has served as the McDowell County Young Life Area director since October 2016 . McDowell County Young Life has been active since 2012 . Dick is the husband of Faith and father to Elisabeth , Hudson , Lydia and James .
Mike Friel
Mike Friel is the director of communication for Robert C . Byrd Institute at Marshall University , where he coordinates media relations , performs public outreach and advances the organization ’ s educational efforts . Friel is a graduate of the W . Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Marshall University .
MEET THE STAFF
Samantha Cart
Samantha Cart is the editor at large for West Virginia Executive and Discover West Virginia magazines . A native of Buffalo , WV , she holds bachelor ’ s and master ’ s degrees in journalism from West Virginia University . Cart currently lives in Red House , WV , with her husband , Caleb , and daughter , Joanna .
Connie Conrad
Connie Conrad is a partner and marketing and advertising associate for Executive Ink , LLC . A native of Capon Bridge , WV , she holds a bachelor ’ s degree in public relations from West Virginia University . She lives in Fairmont with her husband , twin sons and niece . She can be reached at clc @ wvexecutive . com .
Paige Kocourek
Paige Kocourek is a Wisconsin native and recent transplant to West Virginia . She holds a bachelor ’ s degree in business communications from the University of St . Thomas and is the production manager for Executive Ink , LLC and its publications . Kocourek currently resides in Charleston , WV , with her fiancé .
Melanie Watkins
Melanie Watkins , a native of Shrewsbury , WV , is a partner and the graphic designer for Executive Ink , LLC and its publications . She holds a bachelor ’ s degree in graphic design from Marietta College . Watkins currently resides in Nitro , WV , with her husband , Brian , and her stepson , Maddox .
12
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE