West Virginia Executive Summer 2019 | Page 8

Editor’s As the editor in chief at West Virginia Executive magazine, I don’t often get the opportunity to do one-on-one interviews like I once did as a staff writer. These days, my time is spent organizing edi- torial ideas, setting deadlines and gath- ering materials. For this issue, though, one interview opportunity in particular presented itself, and there was no way I could say no. In June, Kensie Hamilton Fauber and I traveled to Mountaineer Field in Morgan- town to meet Neal Brown, West Virginia University’s (WVU) new head football coach. Brown, who was gracious enough to fit us into his busy schedule, sat down with us to discuss his own Appalachian roots, his goals for the Mountaineers and his newly developed appreciation for all things West Virginia. He explained to us that the deep pride West Virginians carry is similar to that which he experienced in his hometown of Bardstown, KY, and it’s just as important to him as it is to anyone else in the athletics department that WVU’s players understand they are not just playing a game—they are represent- ing the passionate, proud, hard-working people of the Mountain State. You can learn more about Brown and his path to Morgantown in “Talent Transplant” on page 23. The team’s motto this year is the climb, a reference to their strategy to work hard every day in order to reach new heights. Much like Brown is now reinventing the Mountaineer football program, West Virginia’s economy is in a period of reinvention, and the Moun- taineers’ focus on the climb is a good re- minder that West Virginia can’t change overnight, but it can change. It is only with continual steps for- ward, perseverance through challenges and a positive outlook that our state will reach the peak of prosperity it is climb- ing toward every day. Personally, I think West Virginia is on its way to greatness. On the football field, I think the Moun- taineers are in good hands too. Let’s go!  Jennifer Jett Prezkop Editor in Chief CHARLESTON 711 Indiana Avenue Charleston, WV 25302 T. 304.343.7551 MORGANTOWN 299 BAKERS RIDGE ROAD MORGANTOWN, WV 26508 MOR T. 304.284.0200 OUR EXPERTISE INTERIOR DESIGN SPACE PLANNING CONTRACT FURNITURE PROJECT MANAGEMENT DELIVERY & INSTALLATION West Virginia’s premier interior design firm 6 WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE