Leadership Huntington

Leadership Huntington is a program offered through the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce that is designed to connect, develop, empower, and mobilize current and emerging leaders who are committed to making a difference in the Huntington region. Presented by Marshall Health Networ k, the program is open to all individuals who live or work in Cabell or Wayne counties.

The program aims to bring together leaders from diverse industries and backgrounds to foster collaboration, promote community involvement, and develop a network of informed and engaged leaders. The curriculum is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the region's economic, social, and political landscape, while equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to tackle complex business challenges.

This is a 10-month program starting in September and ending in June. Participants meet once a month for a full day excluding a two-day orientation. Each session is organized around a theme and will be explored through speakers, discussions, field trips, and exclusive experiential activities.

Class of 2027

Jaycie Bias is the Executive Director of West Virginia Fostering Together, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to supporting foster, adoptive, and kinship families across West Virginia. With a background in social work and nonprofit leadership, Jaycie has spent years advocating for children and caregivers impacted by the child welfare system. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Marshall University in 2018 and her Master of Social Work from Concord University in 2020, and has worked exclusively in nonprofit and family-centered services since graduating. As a foster and adoptive parent herself, Jaycie brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. Since stepping into the Executive Director role in 2024, she has led the organization through significant growth, expanding statewide programming, caregiver support initiatives, advocacy efforts, and community partnerships. Under her leadership, West Virginia Fostering Together now serves approximately 2,000 families through educational events, peer support, legislative engagement, and resource development. Jaycie is also recognized as a leading force behind the 2023 “Jaycie’s Law,” legislation that provides educational protections and resources for teenage mothers and fathers in West Virginia. Her advocacy work has focused on strengthening support systems for vulnerable children and families while amplifying the voices of those with lived experience. Outside of her professional work, Jaycie volunteers with Ebenezer Medical Outreach and is an active member of New Heights Church. She and her husband, Rodney, are raising their children, Rowann and Jericho, while continuing to serve families across West Virginia through advocacy, leadership, and community engagement.

Olivia Bird work as the Public Relations Specialist at Mountwest Community and Technical College, where she helps manage social media initiatives and supports fundraising and marketing efforts. In addition, she is an adjunct professor in Mountwest’s Technical and Digital Marketing program. She graduated from Marshall University with dual degrees in Spanish and Public Relations and recently earned her master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications, with an emphasis in Digital Marketing, from West Virginia University. She also serves as Communications Co-Chair for Huntington Young Professionals and as a Chamber Ambassador. Olivia is passionate about building meaningful connections in her community through all of her endeavors and being an engaged member of Huntington's community.

Jake Bradley is a Business Technology Advisor at Netranom, where he partners with organizations to identify and reduce technology risk. He meets with business leaders to understand the operational and security challenges they face, then designs tailored managed services solutions that support their full IT needs, combining reliable day to day technology management with cybersecurity protections. Jake’s work helps clients strengthen their defenses against outside threats while improving efficiency and performance across their operations. Jake earned a BBA in Marketing from Marshall University, bringing a client focused, consultative approach to aligning technology strategy with business goals. Jake also serves on the board for the Huntington Young Professionals. Outside of work, Jake is actively involved at Huntington Community Church, where he serves as a worship leader and leader in the youth group. He also enjoys spending time outdoors playing golf, running, and riding bikes with his wife.

Belinda Chapman serves as the Program Director for Children’s Home Society of West Virginia’s Cabell County Family Support Center as well as the County Coordinator for the Healthy Grandfamilies Program. Belinda is a native to the Huntington area and has dedicated the last two decades of her life to serving the people of her community and its development. Belinda is an ambassador for the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Barboursville Rotary Club, and serves on advisory boards for both the Cabell County Family Resource Network and PEP Coalition.

Belinda is the first recipient of the Kirtley Insurance Leadership Huntington Scholarship for the Class of 2027!

Steve Cline, Senior Director of Community Impact and Opportunity, has been with United Way of the River Cities for over three years. He has had multiple years of experience in community outreach, nonprofit work, and dedication to serving his community. Steve is passionate about helping others in his community and is looking forward to strengthening leadership skills, building connections, and contributing to the continued growth and success of the Huntington community.

Tanner Drown is a Business Development Manager at the Marshall University Advanced Manufacturing Center, where he supports regional manufacturers and small businesses through supply chain development, project management, and industry outreach. His work focuses on connecting companies with practical resources, managing client-driven technical projects, and building partnerships that support growth across West Virginia’s manufacturing sector. Tanner has also helped lead regional supplier development initiatives and manufacturing events that strengthen local business connections and industrial opportunities.

Amanda Egnatoff is a Retail Sales and Support Coordinator at WesBanco, supporting the Charleston, Huntington, and Southeast Ohio markets. She is passionate about building meaningful relationships, supporting team success, and identifying opportunities to improve processes, collaboration, and overall impact. As a Huntington native, Amanda is deeply committed to serving and strengthening her community through leadership and volunteerism. She currently serves as Treasurer for WesBanco’s Multicultural Employee Resource Group and on the board of Child Development Academy at Marshall University. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys reading, spending time in nature, volunteering, and making memories with her husband, Jordan, and their children, Asher and Aria.

Keely Evans, MBA, is a Financial Analyst at Service Wire Co., where she has spent the past four years growing her career, beginning as a Staff Accountant before transitioning into her current role. In 2025, she was honored as the Culloden recipient of the Art & Joan Weisberg Award for Outstanding Performance in Sales and Operations. In her current position, Keely leverages her strong analytical background to support financial planning, reporting, and strategic decision-making across the organization. Originally from Ohio, Keely fell in love with Huntington during her time at Marshall University, where she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics. She later went on to earn her Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Finance from the University of North Texas. She is also a Registered 200-hour Yoga Teacher and Certified Cycle Instructor. A strong believer in lifelong learning, Keely is excited to be part of Leadership Huntington to grow as a leader, build meaningful connections, and give back to the Tri-State community. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, and staying active through yoga and fitness.

Anastasia Good is a registered nurse with an extensive background in critical care, who now serves as the Director of Learning and Development for the Marshall Health Network. She leads initiatives focused on workforce advancement through innovative program implementation and has a passion for cultivating talent and empowering healthcare professionals. Prior to her career in nursing, she proudly served as an Aerospace Medical Service Technician in the United States Air Force. This experience created a strong foundation for leadership, service, and a commitment to excellence in her work. Her military background continues to influence her approach to developing resilient medical professionals and supporting a culture of continuous learning. Anastasia is dedicated to creating learning experiences that strengthen teams and promote employee engagement which fosters exceptional and cohesive patient care across the Marshall Health Network.

Olivia Goodenough Webb serves as the Director of Business Development & Compliance at DIGIT3, where she combines her background in law, business, and compliance with her passion for entrepreneurship, relationship-building, and helping businesses grow in today’s technology-driven world. Raised in a family of entrepreneurs in the Huntington area, she is passionate about continuing to help grow the family business her parents built from the ground up while supporting local businesses and organizations throughout the region. A proud Appalachian and Marshall University alumna, Olivia later earned her law degree from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. Outside of her professional role, she is actively involved in the local business community, serves on the board of Huntington Young Professionals, and enjoys supporting area chambers, local events, and small businesses across Appalachia.

Eric Himes is the Senior Director of AI & Innovation at Marshall University, where he leads efforts to advance the use of artificial intelligence in education and help prepare students for an evolving workforce. With more than 25 years of experience in higher education, his work focuses on applying emerging technologies to improve teaching, learning, and university operations.

Eric came to Marshall as a student, earning his degree in Journalism and Mass Communications, and made Huntington his home ever since. He began his career as an on-air director at WSAZ and as a video producer at Marshall, experiences that shaped his approach to communication, collaboration, and problem solving. He has held a variety of leadership roles at the university, working closely with faculty and staff to modernize technology and implement practical, scalable solutions in areas including AI, classroom technology, video, and digital learning. A Marshall graduate and longtime member of the community, Eric is committed to giving back to the region that shaped his personal and professional journey. He and his wife have two daughters and enjoy being part of the Huntington community. Through Leadership Huntington, he looks forward to building connections, gaining new perspectives, and supporting the continued growth of the Huntington community.

Katie Lightner serves as the Medicaid Program Director for Highmark Health Options West Virginia (HHO WV), where her passion for improving community health drives the growth and development of the state’s newest Medicaid plan. Born and raised in southern West Virginia and a double graduate of Marshall University, Katie brings a unique blend of local insight and dedication to her role. She is committed to ensuring high-quality care for members and forging strategic partnerships that address West Virginia's distinct healthcare needs, ultimately working towards a stronger, healthier future for her home state. This dedication extends beyond her professional life, as Katie thrives on connecting with those within her community, most often you can find her hosting a dinner party or cheering on The Herd with her husband.

John Lovejoy is the Director of Sales at Alpha Innovations, formerly Alpha Technologies. John lives in Nitro with is favorite pup, his yellow lab Lucky. John is the proud father of two sons: Jonathan, who is a supervisor for a home construction company in Indiana and Joshua, who teaches middle school math in Kanawha County. John's career has spanned from training sales reps for the phone company, working in finance, moving sales, car sales, automotive dealership Finance Manager and now he's in his second stint in technology sales. John's passion is building relationships with his clients. In addition to his job, John is currently an Ambassador and Board of Director Member for the Chamber and serves on the advisory boards for WV Children's Home Society, Developmental Therapy Center and the United Way of Central West Virginia. Outside of work, John loves traveling, the beach, anything Disney, amusement parks, festivals, live music, college sports and spending time with his family. John is also a stage 4 cancer survivor.

Aly McGinnis brings over 25 years of combined experience in education and real estate to her role as a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley. Her background as a teacher sharpened her ability to simplify complex concepts, while her experience in real estate strengthened her experience in client service and financial detail. Since joining Morgan Stanley in 2023, Aly has focused on guiding clients with clarity and confidence as they prepare for the next stage of their lives. She believes every client deserves a plan that not only addresses risks and investments but also inspires excitement about what comes next. She is series 7, 66, and SIE licensed and holds the designation of Financial Planning Specialist. Outside of work, Aly is very active in the Huntington community. She serves as Treasurer for the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Huntington. She and her husband, Ben, have been married for 28 years and have five grown children – Max, Riley, Darby, Lily, and Kodi. She enjoys traveling, hiking, live music, and above all spending time with her family, who remain her greatest source of motivation both personally and professionally.

DesaRae McKee proudly serves as a Branch Manager with Huntington Bank, where she is dedicated to building strong customer relationships and helping individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals. With over 12 years of experience in retail banking, she brings extensive industry knowledge, strong leadership skills, and a passion for delivering exceptional customer service. She is committed to professional growth and creating meaningful connections within the community. Huntington Bank’s core commitment to its “people-first” philosophy closely reflects DesaRae’s personal values and approach to service. She currently lives in Russell, KY with her husband, Charles, and their children, Maverick and Everly. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family.

Michele McKnight is a media relations and marketing professional with more than 20 years in the fields of healthcare, non-profit organizations and government. As the Communications Director for Marshall Health Network, she works with a collaborative and talented team to promote and support an academic medical system that serves families across West Virginia, southern Ohio and eastern Kentucky. Michele is a graduate of the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, with a B.A. and M.A. in Journalism.

Zachary Perry is the Founder of Westmoreland Consulting and serves as State Director for West Virginia at Allegheny Strategy Partners. He brings a wealth of experience in campaign management, government relations, and state associations. Prior to these roles, Zach successfully managed campaigns for State Auditor and Attorney General for JB McCuskey, as well as assisting in the late Justice Tim Armstead’s election to the West Virginia Supreme Court.

In addition to his campaign expertise, Perry served as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, representing the former 16th District. Following his legislative service, he worked with the West Virginia Health Care Association, as Membership Development Director and Government Relations Assistant for several senior care company members. A proud fifth-generation West Virginian and graduate of Marshall University, Zach is deeply connected to the culture, people, and potential of the Mountain State. Zach and his wife Holley currently reside in Huntington's Westmoreland community with their dog, Moby.

Jeff Pratt is an experienced facility and construction management professional with more than 20 years of leadership in project management, campus development, and large-scale construction operations. As Director of Facilities Planning and Management at Marshall University, he oversees projects ranging from $50,000 to $70 million and has successfully managed more than $250 million in new construction and renovation projects. Larry is recognized for his expertise in budgeting, scheduling, procurement, regulatory compliance, and team leadership, while maintaining strong working relationships with university leadership, state officials, architects, engineers, and contractors. His background includes extensive experience in construction management, state contracting requirements, and staff development, supported by certifications in CAD/BIM, OSHA, and ICRA.

Hannah Sheppard is a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones, one of the world's largest privately owned wealth management firms. She and her team lead a boutique-style office in Barboursville, WV. She enjoys serving a select number of individuals, business owners, and faith-based investors who want one point of accountability for their entire financial life. She solves "money word problems for a living" by organizing client goals, running the no-nonsense numbers to back them, and executing the actual strategy to achieve them. Personally, Hannah loves Bible study, gardening, photography, and high-adventure travel, collecting a sticker and ornament from every new destination. Some of her favorite trips include mission work in Costa Rica, summiting Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park, and childhood summers spent on the coast of Maine. She and her husband, Jacob, reside with their cat and fish tank in Huntington, WV.

Sara Schultz-Britt serves as the Director of Philanthropic Advancement for Marshall Health Network (MHN), a role she assumed in October 2025. She leads major giving initiatives and oversees the MHN Foundations’ signature fundraising events, strengthening philanthropic partnerships and advancing MHN’s mission across the region. Previously, Sara acted as the Hoops Family Children’s Hospital Partnership Coordinator, where she played a central role in engaging local and national partners through the partnership with the Children’s Miracle Network providing support to pediatric care throughout the Tri‑State region. Before joining MHN in July 2021, Sara served as Director of Business Development for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Central Ohio and West Virginia and previously held the role of Director of Marketing and Ticket Operations at Marshall University Athletics. She holds a BBA in Marketing and Finance from Hofstra University and an MS in Athletic Administration from Marshall University. Deeply committed to her community, Sara serves on the board of Bright Futures Learning Center, volunteering at her children's schools, and coaches youth basketball. Sara and her wife, Karri, live in Ona, West Virginia, with their five children. The family can often be found on the soccer field, enjoying family movie nights, or spending time with their friendly flock of chickens.

Taylor Smith joined United Bank in 2015 and currently serves as the Mortgage Loan Officer servicing clients across Cabell, Wayne, Putnam counties and surrounding areas. She is a graduate of Buffalo High School and West Virginia State University. Taylor also serves as the Vice President of Putnam CREW. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with family, traveling, and cooking.

Samantha Sparks serves as the Director of Development at Recovery Point West Virginia. She leads fundraising, marketing, and community outreach efforts to expand access to recovery and behavioral health services. Sam brings more than ten years of experience in public education and holds degrees in Elementary Education, Literacy, and Public Administration. She is passionate about strengthening partnerships and connecting people to resources across the Tri-State. A native of Ashland, Kentucky, she lives in Huntington with her daughter, Honey, and their dog, Mae. Sam serves as Community Impact Vice President for the Junior League of Huntington, is a board member of the Huntington Children’s Museum, and volunteers with Read Aloud West Virginia.

Erin Treacy is the founder of Erin Treacy Coaching, where she partners with leaders to thrive by putting people at the center of their leadership and business. With deep southern West Virginian values and a lifelong belief in hard work, she connects real leadership challenges to practical, people-first solutions. With a background in journalism and business ownership, she guides organizations to build trust, communicate effectively, and develop stronger teams. Active in Rotary, the Huntington Women’s Caucus, and a graduate of Marshall University, Erin brings a strong connection to her community into her work. She is passionate about encouraging the next generation to take their shot, step into leadership, and build meaningful connections along the way. When not coaching, she’s often found on the sidelines cheering on various sports teams or hiking among the West Virginia hills. Erin believes the strongest leaders are not defined by titles, but by the trust they build, the people they invest in, and the way they show up when others need them most.

The Kirtley Insurance Leadership Huntington Scholarship

The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to introduce a new scholarship opportunity for the Leadership Huntington program, made possible through the generous support of Mike Kirtley, Owner and CEO of Kirtley Insurance.

The Kirtley Insurance Leadership Huntington Scholarship, valued at $1,500, will be awarded annually for three consecutive years to an eligible small business owner, employee, or nonprofit leader. This scholarship is designed to increase access to Leadership Huntington for professionals who are ready to strengthen their leadership abilities, deepen their community involvement, and create meaningful impact across the Tri-State region.

Congratulations to Belinda Chapman of Children's Home Society of West Virginia, the first recipient of the Kirtley Insurance Leadership Huntington Scholarship!

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Session Topics

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Workforce Development

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Nonprofit & Small Business

Class of 2026

Pictured left to right (front):

Greg Hanna, Abbigail Davis, Emily Davis, Raine Klover, Olivia Meade, Megan Lemon, Stacy Miller, Karen Horner, Andy Mullins, Steven Little, Kenzie Roland

Pictured left to right (back):

Isabel Morris, Joe Jarrell, Eboni Bowens, Sydney MacCourtney, Amber Miller, Taylor Strickland Chambers, Tarabeth Heinemen, Latisha Rowsey, Shawn Mount. Not Pictured: Allison Green and Matthew Luck

Class of 2025

hrcc-leadershiphuntingtongraduation-50-2

Pictured left to right (front): Steven Turner, Mary Beth Ferda, Tracy Arthur Stricklin, Rebecca Thomas, Mesha Shamblin, Ariana Shives, Nikki Hagerman, Pagett Kirtley, Jay Berrien, Walker Tatum

Pictured left to right (back): Chris Aluise, Matt Ward, Amber Yost, Haley Linville, James Plymale, CW Dolin, Megan Copley, Katy Maynard, Steve Curry, Kyle Sowards (not pictured: Isaac Sinclair, Amy Jones Burdick and Sabrina Donahue-Moore)

Inaugural Class of 2024

Pictured left to right (front): Mendy Aluise, Charles Walker, Zach Robinson, Sarah-Frances Lyons, Jacob Curnutte, Leslie Comer-Porter, Jake Aganus, Katie Keefer, Suzanne House, Ryan Mayo, Anna Adkins, Megan Archer

Pictured left to right (back): Andrew Smith, Deacon Stone, John Null, Brad Merritt, Stephanie Hurley Collier, Anna Ford, Shelli Fox, Rory Chapman, Matt James, Anna Price, Jimmy Lemon