Norm Schwertfeger

Board Vice Chair

Norm Schwertfeger is an Associate Professor and Extension Agent in the Community, Economic and Workforce Development Division of West Virginia University Extension. Norm has a Masters Degree in Public Administration from West Virginia University and a Bachelor of Arts from West Liberty University.

Norm served as a County Commissioner in Brooke County for 18 years.  He was also Associate Director of a Behavioral Health Center and initiated numerous programs for people with disabilities in the Northern Panhandle. He supervised programs with WV Youth Advocates for behaviorally and emotionally challenged juveniles and their families before coming to work for the University. He serves on the WVU Extension Leadership Team and has conducted Community Board Trainings and Board Facilitation throughout West Virginia with the WV Secretary of State, WV State Rehabilitation Commission, and the WV Commission for National and Community Service. Norm has served on over 40 Community Boards and Committees throughout WV and the Ohio Valley including President of the WV Association of County Commissioners, Chairman of the Regional Metropolitan Planning Commission and Chairman of the County Senior Center.

Norm has extensive experience in program development and grant writing. In the human service arena, Norm has established youth recreation leagues, drop-in youth counseling centers and initiated numerous successful residential and day programs for people with disabilities throughout the Northern Panhandle. His community development efforts include historic restoration, scenic byway, establishing community litter programs and regional walking trail projects among others. Norm also conducts grant writing workshops and has secured over $5 million in federal, state, local and private grant funds for non-profits and local governments.