contributors
Ken Magill
Ken Magill worked as a New York Citybased writer and editor for more than two decades . Though he has mostly specialized in covering digital marketing-related topics for an international audience , his work has appeared in various outlets , including The Buffalo News and The New York Sun . Last fall , Magill and his family relocated from New York to the Charleston area . They believe it was one of the best decisions they ever made . They have fallen in love with this stunningly beautiful jewel of a state and its warm , down-to-earth people .
Brittany McClung
Brittany McClung is an educator , writer and communications professional . She currently teaches English at Charleston Catholic High School . A native of Beckley , WV , she holds both a bachelor ’ s and master ’ s degree from the University of Charleston , where she studied English , integrated communication and strategic leadership . In her spare time , she enjoys reading , crafting and traveling . McClung currently resides in Saint Albans , WV , with her husband , Joshua .
Olivia Miller
Olivia Miller is the communications specialist for the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University ( WVU ). She is an integrated marketing communications graduate student at WVU and holds a bachelor ’ s degree in journalism . In her spare time , she freelances as a writer , photographer and videographer . A native of Hendricks , WV , Miller has a passion for traveling , writing and adventuring .
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 . Known as Mr . McGyver , he can fix anything with a bobby pin , rubber band or Swiss Army knife . Toler may be reached at tracytoler @ yahoo . com .
Kristen Uppercue
Kristen Uppercue , a native of Martinsburg , WV , is the deputy editor of special projects at 100 Days in Appalachia and project manager at the Rural Digital Youth Resiliency Project . 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 .
Shannon Wells
Shannon Wells is a freelance writer and former executive news editor of several Pamplin Media Group publications in Portland , OR . A native of Charleston , WV , he holds a master ' s degree in journalism from West Virginia University and has served as news editor of The Daily Progress in Charlottesville , VA ; media relations coordinator at Sweet Briar College ; and copy editor and reporter for the Charleston Gazette- Mail . Since recently relocating to Charleston , Wells is preparing for adjunct teaching / student newspaper advising roles at West Virginia State University this fall , and in his free time likes to hike , bike , enjoy live music and boat on Summersville Lake .
MEET THE STAFF
Emily Rice
Emily Rice is the managing editor for Executive Ink , LLC and its publications . A native of Teays Valley , WV , she holds a bachelor ’ s degree in online journalism and a minor in photography . She previously worked as the features editor of the Bluefield Daily Telegraph and associate editor of Prerogative Magazine . She has also served as the photographer and education reporter for The Journal and Durango Herald newspapers . In her spare time , she enjoys exploring the outdoors , reading a book on a rainy day and spending time with her canine companion of 13 years , Zooey . She may be reached at eer @ wvexecutive . com .
Melanie Watkins
Melanie Watkins , a native of Shrewsbury , WV , is a partner and 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 , Watkins is active in CrossFit at Firebreather Fitness and has participated in several 5k runs around the state . She also enjoys baking , cross-stitching and jigsaw puzzles . Watkins resides in Nitro , WV , with her husband , Brian , and her stepson , Maddox .
Interested in pitching a story or being a contributor ? For story pitches , submit at least 100 words by email explaining the main points of the suggested story . Freelance writers should submit writing samples and a résumé . For more information , contact Samantha Cart at sdc @ wvexecutive . com .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE