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 , WV .
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 , and recently published her first children ’ s book , “ Nugget ’ s Haircut .”
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 MBA from the University of Charleston .
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 .
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 .
Amy Grady
Senator Amy Nichole Grady was elected to the West Virginia Senate in 2020 and represents the 4th District . She was appointed chairwoman of the education committee in 2022 . Grady has been a public educator for 15 years and teaches fourth grade at Leon Elementary in Mason County . She resides in Leon , WV , with her husband , Jack , and children — Rhett , Eastyn and Chesney .
Maggie Hatfield
Maggie Hatfield is the business development center manager for Sweet Relish and a longtime freelance writer for West Virginia Executive . She is a graduate of West Virginia University , where she received her bachelor ’ s and master ’ s degrees in journalism . She previously served as the communications and development specialist for the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph . She resides in Clarksville , TN , with her husband , BJ , and daughters , Eloise and Pearl .
MEET THE STAFF
Samantha Cart
Samantha Cart is the editor at large for Executive Ink , LLC . 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 .
Kensie Hamilton Fauber
Kensie Hamilton Fauber is the publisher and managing partner of Executive Ink , LLC . She holds bachelor ’ s degrees in corporate communications and journalism from Elon University and is a graduate of Leadership West Virginia . She lives in Elkview , WV , with her husband , Adam ; her daughter , Quinn ; and her twin sons , Cavan and Kieran . She may be reached at kmh @ wvexecutive . com .
Anna Moore
Anna Moore is a western Kentucky native who has called West Virginia home for six years . She is the associate editor for Executive Ink , LLC and its publications . She holds a bachelor ’ s degree in journalism from Murray State University . She currently resides in South Charleston , WV , with her husband , Blake .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE