contributors
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 .
Paulina Nottingham
Paulina Nottingham is the development specialist at the Mon Health Medical Center Foundation . She works with donors and patients to fund innovative programs that benefit the health of the community . In her free time , Nottingham sits on three boards — Libera , Generation Morgantown and the Marion County Chamber of Commerce — and is the assistant coach for Fairmont State ’ s volleyball team .
Jamie Null
Jamie Null is the executive director for the Mercer County Convention & Visitors Bureau . An awardwinning journalist with the Bluefield Daily Telegraph , she joined the tourism industry in 2014 . A graduate of both Bluefield College and Concord University , she holds bachelor ’ s degrees in print journalism and English literature and enjoys running , traveling and promoting West Virginia .
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 .
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 and share her love of literature with future generations . An avid reader , Whitehair feels most at home curled up with a good book , a cup of tea in hand and her dog , Bella , at her side . In her free time , she enjoys writing , playing the violin and baking .
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 Emily Rice at eer @ wvexecutive . com .
MEET THE STAFF
Paige Kocourek
Paige Kocourek is a Wisconsin native and recent transplant to West Virginia . She holds a bachelor ’ s degree in business communications from the University of St . Thomas and is the production manager for Executive Ink , LLC and its publications . Her passions include teaching others , cultivating positivity and rock climbing . She is currently pursuing a health coaching certification to play a crucial role in the health and happiness of those around her . She enjoys running and spending time in nature . Kocourek currently resides in Charleston , WV , with her fiancé .
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 . She enjoys exploring the outdoors , reading and spending time with her canine , 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 . She also enjoys baking , jigsaw puzzles and cross-stitching . Watkins resides in Nitro , WV , with her husband , Brian , and her stepson , Maddox .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE