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AWARDS RECEPTION
KENZIE DYE TRACY A . TOLER PHOTOGRAPHY
Since its inception , West Virginia Executive ( WVE ) has celebrated the achievements of young , dynamic , talented West Virginians through its annual Young Guns awards program . This program honors individuals who display remarkable determination and success in their careers , serving as role models and setting a visionary path for the future of the Mountain State .
Young Guns are distinguished West Virginians who are 43 years old or younger at the time of their induction . They have resided and worked in the state for a minimum of two years , excelled in their professions and made meaningful contributions to their communities . Through their achievements and community involvement , these individuals play a crucial role in driving the progress and prosperity of West Virginia .
WVE celebrated the 10 members of the Young Guns Class of 2025 on November 19 , 2024 , at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston . The inductees were Megan
Hannah , senior manager of government and external affairs at West Virginia American Water ; Max Knapp , managing director of Wing 2 Wing Ventures and founding partner of BlackBear Capital ; Tony Martinelli , president and CEO of WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital and Wetzel County Hospital ; Suzanne Moses Persinger , chief operating officer of Moses Auto Group ; Stephanie Pethtel , chief of staff at Allegheny Science & Technology ; Nathan Polk II , investment manager for West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust ; Dominique N . Ranieri , Esq ., C . M ., airport director and CEO of West Virginia International Yeager Airport ; Zach Sensabaugh , community president and vice president of regional banking at Huntington Bank ; Leah Vance , owner of Leah Vance Photography , LVP Studio Advertising , The Broken Axle , Appalachian Outpost , Redbird Café and The Outpost Company Store ; and Alex Weld , executive director of Generation West Virginia .
The Young Guns photoshoot features various locations , including the Almost Heaven Cabins ; the West Virginia Almost Heaven Swing at the Chief Logan Lodge and Conference Center ; Chief Logan State Park ; an airboat in Matewan ; and the Hatfield-McCoy Trail .
Driven by passion and determination , Young Guns face challenges head-on , creating pathways to a brighter future . With these 10 individuals at the forefront , West Virginia ’ s future is in capable hands .
If you know someone who embodies the spirit of a Young Gun , please nominate them at wvexecutive . com / young-guns .•
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