West Virginia Executive Spring/Summer 2020 | Page 14

contributors Cathy Bonnstetter Cathy Bonnstetter has covered statewide business news for more than a decade and for a brief time owned a small business in Fairmont. 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. Eric Bowen, Ph.D. Eric Bowen, Ph.D., is a research assistant professor for the Bureau of Business & Economic Research at West Virginia University (WVU), where he specializes in energy economics and applied economic research. His interests include energy economics, spatial econometrics and renewable energy and natural gas energy policy. Bowen holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and a master’s degree and Ph.D. from WVU. Holly Childs Holly Childs is the director of business development and external relations at WestRidge, Inc. A native of Beckley, WV, she holds a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University and a master’s degree from West Virginia University. Childs is passionate about job and investment creation and has been a partner in the development of more than $1.2 billion of office, retail, flex industrial and distribution projects. Rachel Coffman Rachel Coffman is the vice president and director of creative services at TSG Consulting, where she specializes in governmental affairs and public relations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Marshall University and an MBA from the University of Charleston. Coffman is also a graduate of Leadership West Virginia and Leadership Kanawha Valley. Andrew Davis Andrew Davis is the special projects coordinator for the West Virginia Community Development Hub and holds degrees from Georgia College, Indiana University and Indiana University Bloomington. A native of Georgia, he previously focused on environmental education and civic engagement through the nonprofit sector in his home state before serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA in the New River Gorge region with Active Southern West Virginia. John Deskins John Deskins is the assistant dean for outreach and engagement, director of the Bureau of Business & Economic Research (BBER) and an associate professor of economics in the John Chambers College of Business and Economics at West Virginia University. He leads the BBER’s efforts to serve the state by providing rigorous economic analysis and macroeconomic forecasting to business leaders and policymakers. Deskins holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Tennessee. Maggie Hatfield Maggie Hatfield is the communications and development specialist for the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, an organization of women who minister to the needs of the communities in which they serve. Hatfield is a graduate of West Virginia University, where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism. She resides in Owensboro, KY, with her husband and two cats. Jennifer Jett-Prezkop Jennifer Jett-Prezkop is the regional disaster workforce engagement manager for the American Red Cross’ Central Appalachia Region. Prior to joining the Red Cross, she spent 15 years in the print media industry as a writer and editor. In her spare time, she is a volunteer for Read Aloud Jackson County and contributes to local animal rescue efforts. A native of Elkview, WV, she resides in Ripley with her husband, Doug. MEET THE STAFF Melanie Boyd Melanie Boyd, a native of Shrewsbury, WV, is the graphic designer for Executive Ink, LLC and its publications. She holds a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Marietta College and previously worked as the designer for the West Virginia Education Association. In her spare time, Boyd is active in CrossFit at Firebreather Fitness and has participated in several 5k runs around the state. She also enjoys crossstitching and jigsaw puzzles. Boyd resides in Nitro, WV, with her fiancé, Brian. Samantha Cart Samantha Cart is the editor in chief for West Virginia Executive and Discover West Virginia magazines. A native of Buffalo, WV, she holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from West Virginia University. In her spare time, Cart serves as a youth leader at Buffalo Church of the Nazarene and volunteers with Putnam County 4-H and the Come and Serve Team. Cart currently lives in Hometown, WV, with her husband, Dr. Caleb Cart, and their dog, Wednesday. She can be reached at [email protected]. Connie Conrad Connie Conrad is a 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 coaches youth soccer and baseball, serves as a Cub Scout den leader and is active in her church. She lives in Fairmont with her husband, twin sons and niece. She can be reached at [email protected]. 12 WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE