contributors
Ken Magill
Ken Magill worked as a New York Citybased writer and editor for more than two decades . His work has appeared in various outlets , including The Buffalo News and The New York Sun . In September 2020 , Magill and his family relocated from New York to the Charleston area and they have fallen in love with the state .
Brittany McClung
Brittany McClung is the communications and event coordinator at The West Virginia State Bar . She holds a bachelor ’ s degree in English with a minor in integrated communication and a master ’ s degree in strategic leadership from the University of Charleston . McClung lives in St 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 ). A native of Hendricks , WV , Miller is an integrated marketing communications graduate student at WVU and holds a bachelor ’ s degree in journalism .
Candace Nelson
Candace Nelson is the director of marketing for a nonprofit . She has earned her bachelor ’ s degrees in journalism and English and a master ’ s degree in journalism from West Virginia University . She has published a book , “ The West Virginia Pepperoni Roll ,” and spends her free time writing a food column for the Charleston Gazette-Mail .
Jamie Null
Jamie Null is the executive director for the Mercer County Convention & Visitors Bureau . She is an awardwinning journalist with the Bluefield Daily Telegraph . A graduate of both Bluefield College and Concord University , Null holds bachelor ’ s degrees in print journalism and English literature .
Jorge Rodriguez-Stanley
Jorge Rodriguez-Stanley is the communications associate for the West Virginia Community Development Hub and currently lives in Ronceverte , WV . He is passionate about storytelling and is using his talents to amplify and uplift the amazing work happening in the state .
Tracy Straub
Tracy Straub is a business and marketing specialist for West Virginia University Industrial Extension . She is a graduate of Marshall University and Leadership West Virginia . She lives in Huntington , WV , where she loves spending time with her sons , Jacob and Trey .
Tiffany Summerlin
Tiffany is a U . S . Marine Corps veteran , E-5 , 1993-1998 . After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1998 , she moved to Morgantown along with her husband , Jamie . She has a bachelor ’ s degree from West Virginia University . She has two children , Nick and Logan , and loves spending time outdoors in West Virginia .
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 Universit
Jennifer Vieweg
Jennifer Vieweg manages corporate affairs at Greylock Energy , where she is responsible for developing and executing public and community relations strategies and outreach efforts ; managing internal and external messaging and engagement ; leading professional and leadership development ; and spearheading the company ’ s ESG initiatives .
MEET THE STAFF
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 . Toler may be reached at tracytoler @ yahoo . 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 . Watkins currently resides in Nitro , WV , with her husband , Brian , and her stepson , Maddox .
Arianna Whitehair
Arianna Whitehair received her bachelor ' s degree in English and integrated communication from the University of Charleston and is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in teaching from Marshall University . A native of Pinch , WV , she aspires to one day become an English teacher .
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 resume . For more information , contact Paige Kocourek at pkk @ wvexecutive . com .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE