contributors
Elizabeth Howard
Elizabeth Howard is an undergraduate student at West Virginia University . Howard , a native of Wheeling , WV , will graduate in December 2023 with a bachelor ’ s degree in multidisciplinary media studies focusing on marketing , strategic social media and journalism . While being a full-time student , she currently works as a leasing agent along with being a writing and design freelancer . In her free time , Howard enjoys being outside , spending time with her family and reading .
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 a freelance writer for West Virginia Executive . Kocourek currently resides in Charleston , WV , with her fiancé , Eric .
Dawn Nolan
Dawn Nolan is a marketing and public relations consultant who has been freelance writing for more than a decade . An avid reader , she leads two monthly book clubs . Nolan holds bachelor ’ s degrees in English and psychology from Marshall University and lives in her hometown of Huntington , WV .
Emily Pellham
Emily Pellham is a registered behavioral technician with Autism Therapy and Training . She received her bachelor ’ s degree in special education from Liberty University and has spent the last eight years serving those with special needs through therapy and education . She currently resides in Clarksville , TN , with her husband , Chad , and son , Henry .
Matt Rohrbach
Dr . Matthew Rohrbach graduated from Marshall University School of Medicine in 1984 . He holds board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine in internal medicine and gastroenterology . Rohrbach was first elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 2014 . He currently serves as the deputy speaker of the House of Delegates and has previously served as the chair of the health committee , health and human resources accountability committee and the PEIA , seniors and longterm care committee .
Kristen Uppercue
Kristen Uppercue , a native of Martinsburg , WV , is the deputy editor of special projects at 100 Days in Appalachia and project manager at the Rural Digital Youth Resiliency Project . She holds a bachelor ’ s degree in journalism and master ’ s degree in integrated marketing communications from West Virginia University . Uppercue enjoys traveling and photography and spends most of her time behind a camera or a good book .
MEET THE STAFF
Tracy Toler
Tracy Toler scaled
Seneca Rocks at the age of 5 and has been reaching new heights ever since . Through his business , Tracy A . Toler Photography , he has served as creative director and feature photographer for many of the region ’ s largest magazines . Toler may be reached at tracytoler @ yahoo . com .
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 Hurricane , WV , with her husband , Brian , and her stepson , Maddox .
Arianna Whitehair
Arianna Whitehair is a native of Pinch , WV , and the editorial and production manager for Executive Ink , LLC . She is a 2021 graduate of the University of Charleston with a bachelor ’ s degree in English and integrated communication and is currently pursuing a master ’ s degree in teaching through Marshall University .
Interested in pitching a story or being a contributor ? For story pitches , submit at least 100 words by email explaining the main points of the suggested story . Freelance writers should submit writing samples and a resume . For more information , email info @ wvexecutive . com .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE