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Sharp Shooters
Class of 2019
Awards Reception
SAMANTHA CART
West Virginia is known around the world for its natural
resources and scenic beauty. While the land of rolling moun-
tains is a haven for coal, oil and natural gas, its best and most
precious asset always has been and always will be its people.
Mountaineers are characterized by their loyalty, perseverance
and dedication to caring for one another, and West Virginia
Executive is committed to honoring elite West Virginians who
go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure a bright future
for the state and its people.
Ten of these go-getters were honored at a reception on June
6, 2019, at the University of Charleston Innovation Center. The
Sharp Shooters Class of 2019 is made up of honorees from a
variety of industries—from small business owners and university
presidents to soldiers and architects—who all have one thing in
common: a deep and unwavering love for the Mountain State.
Sharp Shooters are chosen from a vast pool of nominations,
and selections are made based on career success and past and
present community and philanthropic involvement. The mem-
bers of the class of 2019 are: Allison Ballard, West Virginia
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE
TRACY A. TOLER PHOTOGRAPHY
managing partner for Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP; Diana
Barnette, owner and vice president of Mining Repair Specialists,
Inc., owner of Holy Smoke Coal, LLC and owner and managing
member of MRS Manufacturing, LLC; Pam Farris, executive
director of Leadership West Virginia; Gordon Gee, president
of West Virginia University; Steven Hedrick, president and
CEO of MATRIC, Inc. and chairman and CEO of Appalachia
Development Group, LLC; Major General James Hoyer,
West Virginia’s adjutant general; George Manahan, CEO of
The Manahan Group; Kathleen McDermott, director of non-
profit advisory services and business development manager
for McKinley Carter Wealth Services; Nate Randolph, principal,
partner and treasurer at Edward Tucker Architects, Inc. and
member at BOWR, LLC; and James Swiger, president and
principal-in-charge of WYK Associates, Inc., and president
of Architectural Salvation, LLC.
Nominations for the Sharp Shooters Class of 2020 are now
being accepted. To submit a nomination, visit www.wvexecutive.
com/sharp-shooter-nomination-form.