contributors
Lori Kersey
Lori Kersey is a reporter in Charleston , WV . A native of Sissonville , WV , she is a graduate of Marshall and Morehead State universities . She has a bachelor ’ s degree in print journalism and a master ’ s degree in communications .
Emily Pellham
Emily Pellham is a registered behavioral technician with Autism Therapy and Training . She received her bachelor ’ s degree in special education from Liberty University and has spent the last eight years serving those with special needs through therapy and education . She currently resides in Clarksville , TN , with her husband , Chad , and son , Henry .
Anthony Raines
Anthony Raines is the founder and president of Rainco Forest Resources and Wood Source Solutions Inc . He has over 20 years of experience in the forestry industry , primarily in the central Appalachian region . Alongside his wife , Stephanie , Raines is also the owner and operator of Rainco Cattle Company , a 500-acre cow and calf operation , and a bull riding production company located in Fayette County , WV . In addition to his business ventures , Raines holds the position of second vice president on the board of directors for the West Virginia Forestry Association and serves as a member of the board of directors for the Forest Resources Association .
Samantha Smith
Samantha Smith is a member of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development ( WVDED ) Business Attraction team , where she focuses on recruiting businesses and industries searching for their next strategic location . Smith works across multiple industry sectors , including consumer goods manufacturing ; petrochemicals and polymers ; and food and beverage . She is also involved in tax increment financing projects and the certified sites and development readiness program for the WVDED . A native of Elkins , WV , and a graduate of Davis & Elkins College , Smith resides in Charleston , WV , with her husband and children .
Kristen Uppercue
Kristen Uppercue , a native of Martinsburg , WV , is the deputy editor of special projects at 100 Days in Appalachia and content manager at Reporting on Addiction , a collaborative project to improve the way journalists report on substance use . 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 .
Ellis Willard
Ellis Willard is a vice president on the strategic communications team at Current Global . Before joining Current Global , she held multiple positions at Signal Group , IQ Solutions , Golin and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America . She is a graduate of West Virginia University , where she received her bachelor ’ s degree in public relations with a minor in communications . She lives in Cumberland , MD , with her husband .
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 Hurricane , WV , with her husband , Brian , and her stepson , Maddox .
Arianna Whitehair
Arianna Whitehair is a native of Pinch , WV , and the editorial and production manager for Executive Ink , LLC . She is a 2021 graduate of the University of Charleston with a bachelor ’ s degree in English and integrated communication and is currently pursuing a master ’ s degree in teaching through Marshall University .
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 , email info @ wvexecutive . com .
16
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE