contributors
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 .
Lisa Costello
Lisa Costello , M . D ., MPH , FAAP , is a lifelong West Virginian who hails from Weirton , WV , and resides in Morgantown , WV . She is an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at West Virginia University ( WVU ) and a pediatric hospitalist at WVU Medicine Children ’ s Hospital . She is also the co-director of the Pediatrics Clerkship and leads a health care literacy and patient advocacy curriculum thread for the M . D . program .
Brian Dayton
Brian Dayton has been with the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce since June 2012 . He serves as vice president of policy and advocacy . He leads the policy and government relations aspects of the chamber , helping to articulate the chamber ’ s positions to lawmakers , stakeholders and the general public . Dayton resides in Hurricane , WV , with his wife , Ashley ; 5-year-old son , Hudson ; and 4-yearold daughter , Oakley .
Pagett Dusic
Pagett Dusic is a freelance writer and published author from New York who has called West Virginia home for more than 30 years . Previously , she worked at AT & T in corporate communications , writing feature stories about employee well-being benefits and large corporate initiatives . She lives in Barboursville , WV , and loves to write about volunteerism and spreading kindness .
Max Fisher
Max Fisher is an ambassador and special adviser to the West Virginia Faith & Freedom Coalition , specializing in Israeli relations . He has done consulting with several officials and organizations , including the West Virginia Republican Party . Fisher is the founder and deputy director of War Dog Guardians , a 501 ( c ) 3 nonprofit that works to serve and find homes for K-9s leaving the U . S . military .
Jean Hardiman
Jean Hardiman is a freelance writer from northern Ohio who moved to West Virginia more than 20 years ago . Previously , she worked as a longtime reporter for The Herald-Dispatch , covering health care , education and economic development throughout the state and region . Hardiman lives in Huntington , WV , with her family , and as a writer , she loves to shine a light on the amazing people , organizations and positive developments in the Mountain State .
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
Megan Bevins
Megan Bevins is an editorial and production manager for Executive Ink , LLC . She is a native of Hurricane , WV , and graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science in journalism . She enjoys reading , writing , listening to music and playing the guitar in her free time .
Kassidi Calihan
Kassidi Calihan is a marketing and advertising associate for Executive Ink , LLC . A native of Zanesville , OH , she holds a bachelor ’ s degree in advertising and public relations from Marshall University . She now lives in Huntington , WV , after falling in love with her college town . She can be reached at kdc @ wvexecutive . com .
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 lives in Red House , WV , with her husband , Caleb , and daughters , Joanna and Ruth .
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 , WV , with her husband , twin sons and niece . She can be reached at clc @ wvexecutive . com .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE