contributors
Azeem Khan
Azeem Kahn is a senior studying political science and business cybersecurity at West Virginia University ( WVU ). Kahn was selected as the 26th Truman Scholar from WVU and was a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship . He serves as co-chair of the Mountaineer Fentanyl Education Task Force and as an intern with the WVU Government Relations Office . Kahn has served as a legislative intern in the U . S . Senate and as an intern with the U . S . Attorney ’ s Office in the Northern District of West Virginia .
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 .
Christopher Ramezan
Christopher Ramezan , Ph . D ., is an assistant professor of cybersecurity and coordinator of the Business Cybersecurity Management program at West Virginia University . Ramezan is an award-winning researcher and educator , with research specializations in security architecture , machine-learning , remote sensing and cybersecurity workforce development . He also serves as the academic lead for the 2024 U . S . national team in the NATO Locked Shields exercise . Ramezan also worked in industry for nearly 10 years and possesses more than 20 certifications , including the CISSP , CISM and CDPSE .
Paige Udermann
Paige Udermann is a Wisconsin native and a recent transplant to Minnesota . Udermann holds a bachelor ’ s degree in business communications from the University of St . Thomas . She is an avid runner , rock climber and adventurer . Udermann currently resides in Shoreview , MN , with her husband , Eric .
Kristen Uppercue
Kristen Uppercue , a native of Martinsburg , WV , is the deputy editor of special projects at 100 Days in Appalachia and content manager at Reporting on Addiction , a collaborative project to improve the way journalists report on substance use . 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 .
Melanie Watkins
Melanie Watkins , a native of Shrewsbury , WV , holds a bachelor ’ s from Marietta College . She is a part-time graphic designer for Executive Ink , LLC ., and sole owner of Mrs . Mel ' s , specializing in French macarons . Watkins currently resides in Hurricane , WV , with her husband , Brian , and her stepson , Maddox .
Ellis Willard
Ellis Willard is the founder and managing partner of Anchor Bird , a strategic communications consulting firm . Before starting Anchor Bird , she held multiple positions at Signal Group , IQ Solutions , Golin and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America . She is a graduate of West Virginia University , where she received her bachelor ’ s degree in public relations and a minor in communications . She lives in Cumberland , MD , with her husband , two dogs and two cats .
MEET THE STAFF
Kenzie Dye
Kenzie Dye , a native of Tornado , WV , is an editorial and production manager for Executive Ink , LLC . She holds a bachelor ’ s degree in journalism with a major in advertising and minors in Appalachian studies and interactive design for media . She currently resides in Charleston , WV , and in her spare time she enjoys taking pictures of the people and places she loves .
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 .
Seth Stover
Seth Stover is a graphic designer for Executive Ink , LLC and its publications . He holds a bachelor ’ s degree in integrated marketing from Glenville State University with a minor in graphic design . From Wallback , WV , he enjoys spending time with his wife , Leslee , and his cats , Eddie and Lottie .
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 .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE