values and vision will ensure we have the resources needed to continue delivering at the highest level for our clients now and into the future .”
RCBI Designated Part of Defense Manufacturing Consortium
The Robert C . Byrd Institute ( RCBI ) at Marshall University has been designated part of a new consortium working to strengthen defense manufacturing capabilities in West Virginia and southern Pennsylvania .
The U . S . Department of Defense awarded $ 5 million for the Artificial Intelligence in Metals and Manufacturing Consortium ( AIM ) to strengthen defense manufacturing capabilities through an industrial production ecosystem that melds advanced metals and materials with artificial intelligence , additive manufacturing and robotics . RCBI will serve as a hub for delivery of technical services , quality assurance , prototyping , customized training , supply chain support and apprenticeships for defense sector contractors across the region .
Led by Pittsburgh-based Catalyst Connection , a private , nonprofit organization that provides consulting and training to small manufacturers in southwestern Pennsylvania , the consortium includes 30 manufacturing organizations in Pennsylvania and West Virginia . The groups will build on existing manufacturing collaborations to upskill the regional workforce , spur innovation and familiarize manufacturers with new technologies .
“ West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania have tremendous capabilities to support the defense industrial base ,” says RCBI Director and CEO Charlotte Weber . “ This funding will enable us to boost the connections , grow our local defense supply chain and contribute to national defense priorities , a mission upon which RCBI was founded .”
2021 POWER of Performance Award Winners Announced
Six recipients were recently honored with Power of Performance Awards to recognize their efforts to change lives , put people to work and revitalize their communities . The awards were presented as part of the third annual Small Communities , BIG Solutions Conference , which showcased West Virginia successes and highlighted what is working across the state ’ s 21 most southern counties . The conference , which is organized by the Alliance for Economic Development of Southern West Virginia , West Virginia Community Development Hub and Coalfield Development , took place virtually in November .
“ I am always amazed by the honorees ’ talent and passion for our state ,” says Sara Payne Scarbro , operations council chair for the alliance . “ There are power performers , student leaders and inspiring educators in every community , and we had an amazing opportunity to highlight just a few of them . I look forward to continuing these awards next year , because it is important to highlight the doers and celebrate their successes . Indeed , they are helping to build stronger West Virginia communities .”
2021 Power of Performance Award Categories and Recipients
• Changing Lives : The Minority Health Institute , operated by Dr . Anthony Woart , Dr . Georgiana Logan and LaDawna Walkter-Dean ; and Misty Martin , founder and program director of Marie ’ s Recovery House
• Putting People to Work : Dan Conant , president and founder of Solar Holler , and Todd Cope , CEO of CentralApp
• Revitalizing Communities : Melissa Nester , publisher and owner of The Welch News and Pineville Independent Herald , and Kristin Dial , executive director of Coalfield Health Center
Deniker Appointed to West Virginia Independent Colleges & Universities Board of Directors
The board of directors of West Virginia Independent Colleges & Universities ( WVICU ) unanimously voted to appoint Susan Deniker to the board of directors for a three-year term . Deniker is an attorney with the law firm Steptoe & Johnson ’ s Bridgeport office , where she has built a reputation for being one of the top higher education lawyers in the region .
“ Susan is a friend of private higher education as demonstrated by her impeccable service to many of our member institutions ,” says Dr . Tim Barry , chairman of the board and president of Alderson Broaddus University . “ As the WVICU looks to grow and strengthen our impact on our communities and state , we will need sound counsel from our board . Susan will bring with her vast knowledge of the higher education landscape as well as her perspectives as a member of one of West Virginia ’ s corporate partners .”
Deniker focuses her law practice in the areas of labor and employment law , higher education law and litigation . She is frequently called upon to present at various higher education conferences across the country , including the Council for Independent Colleges and the National Conference on Law and Higher Education .
“ I am honored to be nominated and elected to the board of directors of the WVICU ,” says Deniker . “ The WVICU and its member institutions play a critical role in preparing future entrepreneurs and spurring economic growth in West Virginia . WVICU touches nearly every region of our state , and I hope my contributions will help further its impact .” •
WWW . WVEXECUTIVE . COM WINTER 2021 127