The WV Community Development Hub is thrilled to announce the third cohort for the Coaching for Transformation Fellowship program. Nine people from across the state will participate in this leadership development initiative to catalyze growth and make a positive difference in West Virginia communities.
Fellows will focus on their individual leadership and growth, collaboration on community or economic development-focused projects, and resource development as part of this intensive nine-month fellowship. With support from professional coaches and peers, fellows increase cross-sector knowledge and build up a personal network through a range of partner engagements, learning opportunities, community visits, and peer relationships. Through the fellowship, the cohort will identify funding sources, collaboration opportunities, overcome challenges, and develop partnerships. This fellowship is rooted in uplifting West Virginia leaders and communities that align with The Hub’s Core Values. They will also increase their knowledge of the community development field and build up their personal networks.
“These fellows are West Virginians who are focused on building up our state’s communities using innovative, collaborative leadership. We are honored to be a part of their journey,” said Stacy Thomas, Community Coaching Program Coordinator and fellowship program lead.
As an experienced leader and dedicated community advocate, Laura Anderson is committed to positively impacting her community. Throughout her career, Laura has honed her project management, strategic planning, and partnership-building skills, allowing her to effectively collaborate with community organizations and stakeholders to achieve shared goals throughout West Virginia.
Currently, she serves as the AmeriCorps Program Director for the City of Weston, responsible for building and creating a new, unique AmeriCorps Program. In this role, she has leveraged her expertise in program development and management to establish a comprehensive and impactful program that addresses the needs of her community. Driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference, she constantly seeks new opportunities to serve and support her community. She is excited to continue her journey as a community leader and make a lasting impact on the lives of those around her.
As an eclectic fiber artist, Kristina Culp is currently volunteering as Executive Director for the Tygart Artisans Guild in Grafton, West Virginia. Serving as an employee of the Taylor County Public Library, Kristina can combine her passions for reading and genealogy research regularly. Kristina and her husband have raised five children, welcoming her first granddaughter in the summer of 2022. She is looking forward to meeting two new grandchildren in the spring. In her spare time, Kristina enjoys any opportunity to gather with other knitters, spinners, and weavers.
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Jenna Grayson has a passion for community service, economic development, manufacturing, and building strong communities through workforce development and fair housing. With experience in private industry, higher education, and regional economic development, Jenna shares an appreciation for intentional and community-driven growth. Jenna received her Bachelor of Science in Environment, Economic Development, and Sustainability from Ohio State University. Jenna is currently working on a “Micro Masters” program in Supply Chain Management through the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Jenna was introduced to West Virginia as an AmeriCorps VISTA with West Virginia University Science Adventure School and she and her husband purchased a home in Fayette County in 2020. In Jenna’s free time, you can find her paddling the New River or serving at Love Hope Center for the Arts.
As the Executive Director of the Hampshire County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Tina Ladd is passionately dedicated to not only attracting tourists to our beautiful region but also instilling a deep sense of pride and community among the residents. Her role involves overseeing major local events, such as the Hampshire County Farm Crawl and the Potomac Highlands Sportsman & Outdoor Show, which showcase the area’s unique character and offerings. A career highlight was orchestrating the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree’s visit to Romney, an event that brought national recognition to the community and exemplified the collaborative spirit.
Tina strongly believes in the power of teamwork and inclusivity, striving to make every member of the community feel involved and valued. Her job extends beyond traditional tourism promotion; it’s about building a community where everyone feels they are part of something greater. Tina is eager to further develop my leadership skills, deepen community impact, and continue to foster an environment where everyone in Hampshire County can thrive together.
Erica Marks is the founder and director of the Yew Mountain Center in Pocahontas County where she lives with her three daughters and husband. Drawing on her experience as a science teacher in the classroom and nontraditional educational settings as well as her love of nature and the arts, she works through the organization to build a community centered on learning and appreciation of the land and the biodiversity and varied human culture it supports.
Evan McWreath has several years of experience working with nonprofits. He currently serves as the Director of Conservation Research at the Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia and is a grant writer for the Human Animal Bond, both based in Morgantown, West Virginia. Evan holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Geoscience (2016) and a Master’s degree in Geography from West Virginia University (2019). Originally from Washington, PA, he previously worked as a GIS Manager at the Washington County Department of Public Safety and served on the Board of Directors for the Washington Drug and Alcohol Commission.
Having dedicated recent years to working as a wildlife biologist for Ventana Wildlife Society in Monterey, California, Evan has returned to West Virginia with his wife, DVM Amanda McWreath. He continues his role as a remote GIS Specialist, overseeing critically endangered California condor GPS data, developing educational materials, and contributing to conservation outreach efforts. Evan is passionate about creating opportunities for the community to engage in and appreciate wildlife conservation, seeing it as a crucial component for the restoration and preservation of healthy ecosystems, and he looks forward to fostering such opportunities in his new positions.
Robert Moore’s current position with West Virginia State University’s Extension Service, in partnership with Tamarack Foundation for the Arts, makes Moore the first Art Extension Educator in the state of West Virginia. His new role in the organization allows Moore to work statewide, strengthening community and economic development in West Virginia’s Arts industry. Moore is a mixed media artist, exhibiting, curating, and teaching since 1999. Moore also has over 20 years of experience in Arts administration, working in art galleries, theaters and nonprofit organizations. He graduated with a Bachelor of Art in Studio Art with a concentration in painting, from Concord University in 2003. Moore lives in his hometown of Beckley, WV.
Beth Salvo is a dedicated entrepreneur and community advocate who found a new home in Frametown, West Virginia, after hailing from the vibrant streets of Southern New Jersey. As the proud owner of “Bigfoot Braxxie’s Bikes” in Gassaway, Beth seamlessly blends her business acumen with a deep commitment to community well-being. Actively engaged with the Town of Gassaway and the Elk River Trail Foundation, Beth dedicates time to enhancing the town’s charm and preserving its natural beauty. Beyond the business realm, Beth nurtures a farm in Frametown, volunteers with senior citizens in Braxton County, and fosters connections through membership in the Sutton Moose Lodge. Beth Salvo’s biography unfolds as a compelling story of meaningful contributions to a community that has become an integral part of her journey.
Courtney Summers is originally from the greater Seattle area and came to WV from Maryland to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA for two years starting in 2021. She is now the Family Resource Network Manager with United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties covering Monongalia County working to improve the lives of children and families. Before working in the nonprofit sector, she taught special education and served as an AmeriCorps VISTA.
Her two years of VISTA service inspired her to continue in the nonprofit field. She loves being able to make a difference in her community and helping others. She applied for the fellowship to refine her leadership skills to better involve families in her community.
The West Virginia Community Development Hub (The Hub) is hiring for an Executive Director to lead the organization’s administration and management, program
As part of our work with the Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities (BRECC) Initiative, The West Virginia Community Development Hub (The
The West Virginia Community Development Hub (The Hub) is thrilled to announce three new board members who will continue to advance the