West Virginia Executive Spring 2024 | Page 113

1995
2000
1996 Began Clerkship with Honorable Frederick P . Stamp , Jr .
1998 Began private practice

“ I ’ ve worked hard but have been rewarded for it . West Virginians are incredible in their work ethic , their sense of community and their resilience . It ’ s a beautiful state , and if you like to play outside , there ’ s no place better .”

2005
2010
2015
2020
2002 Daughter Eve was born
2002 Began work with WesBanco Trust & Investment Services
2005 Daughter Grace was born
2007 Promoted to Assistant Vice President
2008 Promoted to Vice President
2011 Named Assistant Corporate Secretary
2012 Appointed as President of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors
2014 Named a West Virginia Wonder Woman , by WV Living Magazine
2016 Married Eriks Janelsins
2018 Began work at The Linsly School
beginning a career in wealth management with WesBanco Trust & Investment Services in 2002 . In her current role at The Linsly School , an independent boarding and day school in Wheeling , Ridenhour oversees fundraising and alumni engagement .
“ My career progression has been fairly organic ,” Ridenhour says . “ I have always enjoyed my work with various nonprofit organizations throughout Wheeling and the region , both as a volunteer and during my time at WesBanco . I was ready for my next chapter , and working in the nonprofit sector was really appealing . Working for a nonprofit , and Linsly specifically , has given me the opportunity to combine 20-plus years of experience in law , financial services and nonprofit management into one position .”
In this role , Ridenhour has had the opportunity to fulfill her passion of working with young people through the school ’ s advisor program , which pairs every faculty member with a handful of students .
“ I see my nine advisees for 40 minutes every day , and while there is no set curriculum , I like to think that by the time they ’ ve left me , they ’ ve learned a little something ,” she says . “ Sometimes they just hang out and relax , but we also have some really dynamic conversations about anything from relationships to college admissions to group projects . If you asked them , I hope they would tell you they felt appreciated and understood , though I get far more from them than I could ever give them in return .”
She also supports the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra and organizations that support women and girls . In addition to
serving as a life director of the Wheeling Symphony , Ridenhour has served on the boards of the Black Diamond Girl Scout Council , King ’ s Daughters Child Care Center , and Crittenton Services and she is a founding member of the Women ’ s Giving Circle .
Ridenhour is passionate about giving back to her community .
“ I remember very vividly a conversation my father had with my oldest daughter in which he told her that if you have the means to do it , whether financially or by giving of your time or expertise , you have an obligation to give back . I ’ ve tried to do that ,” she says .
Ridenhour ’ s personal motto is to leave it better than you found it , which she believes can be applied to a multitude of situations .
“ When I consider my relationship with my academic advisees and my work at Linsly , what is always top of mind for me is , ‘ Did I add value ? Did I make this student ’ s experience better because I was here ? Did I improve Linsly for the better during my time here ?’”
In her free time , Ridenhour enjoys the outdoors . She explored her love of hiking in the Mountain State during the summer of 2020 when she traveled , hiked and rafted throughout the state with her daughters to expose them to West Virginia . She is happy to live , work and play in such a beautiful place .
“ I ’ ve worked hard but have been rewarded for it ,” Ridenhour says . “ West Virginians are incredible in their work ethic , sense of community and resilience . It ’ s a beautiful state , and if you like to play outside , there ’ s no place better .” •
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