contributors
Olivia Miller
Olivia Miller is the communications director for the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy . A native of Hendricks , WV , and an avid outdoor enthusiast , she is passionate about protecting and preserving the beautiful state of West Virginia . Miller holds a bachelor ’ s degree in journalism from West Virginia University and also works as an independent social media and marketing consultant .
Bobby Oberlander
Bobby Oberlander is one half of The Oberports — a married , international awardwinning photography duo based in Charleston , WV . Oberlander received a bachelor ’ s degree in marketing and business management from West Virginia University Institute of Technology . He was trained in photography by his wife , Emily , and has photographed over 500 weddings in the past 13 years . In his spare time , he likes to cook , watch classic cinema and lift weights .
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 .
Emily Porter
Emily Porter is one half of The Oberports — a married , international awardwinning wedding photography duo based in Charleston , WV . She attended Ohio University for visual communications . She started taking professional photos in 2008 and has photographed over 500 weddings in her career . In Porter ’ s spare time , she likes to bake , garden and play with her two cats .
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 .
Alicia Willard
Alicia Willard is a vice president on the strategic communications team at Signal Group . Before joining Signal , she held multiple positions at 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 and 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 Nitro , 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 in both 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 .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE