Mani was given the opportunity to engage immediately in meaningful litigation activities , taking depositions and participating in hearings within months of obtaining her law license .
“ Because Charleston is the capital , it gives you access to leaders from across the state and opportunities to contribute to issues and efforts that are far-reaching ,” she says . “ Charleston is wonderful because it is small enough to have strong relationships and a great network , while large enough that you can still be excited to meet new people .”
Mani ’ s legal career took her to the highest ranks of the state government , most recently as deputy chief of staff to Governor Earl Ray Tomblin . Additionally , she served as general counsel and deputy cabinet secretary of the West Virginia Department of Revenue , a position she was appointed to by Governor Joe Manchin , and as deputy general counsel and general counsel to Governor Bob Wise . She credits these opportunities to connections made during her time spent as a member of the WVU Student Government Association .
“ Working for three governors provided unbelievable experience and exposure to issues , which also led to an amazing nonprofit leadership career that combines my skills and experience in a different way to lead the work of the Red Cross and support my community ,” she says .
Mani keeps her West Virginia law license current , although she is not in the traditional practice of law . She is grateful that her legal work led her to a life of service , which she demonstrates both in an out of the office . She currently serves on the board of directors of Charleston Rotary and The Education Alliance , as the commissioner of Volunteer West Virginia and on the women in the profession committee for the West Virginia State Bar .
“ I discovered my interest in the work of the American Red Cross while working as deputy chief of staff for Governor Tomblin and managing the state ’ s response to a large natural disaster ,” she says . “ The pivotal role the Red Cross had in leading mass care efforts as a non-government entity is what initially captivated me and soon thereafter , I sought to join its board and ended up taking the role of regional chief executive officer .”
Mani says there is never a dull moment while working for the Red Cross . She is responsible for mission delivery , community engagement , volunteer recruitment , fundraising to support various missions , internal operations , building and engaging a regional board of directors and managing a leadership team for the lines of business and internal support functions .
“ I feel lucky to do work that contributes directly to creating resiliency in our communities ,” she says . “ We are helping people in what may be their darkest hour , such as immediately after losing everything
in a home fire or flood . We are stocking hospital shelves for those who need lifesaving blood , ensuring that CPR and first aid trained individuals are available when someone is choking at a restaurant or injured at an event and getting a service member home from a deployment to be at their family ’ s side in an emergency .”
Mani currently lives in Charleston , WV , with her husband , Jon , and two children . She considers her greatest success to be applying her talents and skills to a life of service in West Virginia and raising two caring , community-minded children .
“ West Virginia is home to both me and my husband , and with so many of our family and friends here , it was a natural choice to build our life here after graduating from WVU ,” she says . “ I have enjoyed the opportunities working in West Virginia afforded me . Giving back in our communities is what drives me to do the work I do .” •
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