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. 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.

2024-2025 Class

Chris Aluise is a Branch Manager with Huntington National Bank in Barboursville and Harrisville, WV. He is a Huntington, WV native and a graduate of Marshall University’s Lewis College of Business with a major in Business Administration and minor in Economics. At the bank, Chris is responsible for management of the branch, leading all facets of sales, service and operations, acquiring new consumer and business customers, and deepening all existing customer relationships proactively by driving business inside and outside of the branch office. Chris is also a board member of the Huntington Children’s Museum and member of Cross Roads United Methodist Church. Chris resides in the Barboursville community with daughters Summer, Heidi, and Erin.

Aaron Arnold joined the Heritage Farm Museum & Village as Director of Human Resources in February and is actively involved in business development and event planning at the Smithsonian Affiliate, which recently earned a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award for 2024 and the Best of WV Living Metro Valley Regional Award for Best Recreation Venue in 2023. Besides his role at Heritage Farm, Arnold works in Kroger's ecommerce division and serves as Secretary/Treasurer for Mission Tri-State. With a background in tourism from his time at Camp Landing Entertainment District and the Huntington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Arnold also holds a Travel Marketing Certification. He is deeply involved in community service, holding leadership roles in various organizations, including Rotary Club of Barboursville and South Side Neighborhood Organization, and coaches youth sports. Arnold, a 2003 Morehead State University graduate, resides in Huntington with his wife Courtney and their three children.

Tracy Arthur Stricklin, a long-time Barboursville resident, brings over 30 years of experience in human resources. Most recently, she has led HR and regional recruiting efforts for manufacturing facilities in West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. With a background in business administration and management, Tracy spent over two decades in human resources roles within the healthcare industry in Florida.

Jay Berrien is the Director of Holistic Programming within the Marshall University athletic department, designing opportunities to support student-athletes and encourage their ability to grow into their full potential. Jay graduated with honors from Marshall University with a degree in marketing and finance. Upon graduation, Jay began a career in customer experience within a Fortune 100 financial services organization. Jay was accepted into the University of Colorado to receive a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, where she was honored with the Excellence in Leadership Award selected by her peers. Before returning to Huntington, Jay was a management consultant for a global consulting firm specializing in leadership development and cultural change. In this role, Jay developed experiential learning sessions to measurably engage executive leaders and frontline associates of Fortune 500 organizations. Jay is originally from Ohio and cherishes her family. One of her life goals is to restore her grandparents' farm and continue her family's agricultural impact in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

Megan Copley is the Care Center Manager for OVP Health, a multi-faceted, physician-owned company that provides inpatient and outpatient medication-assisted treatment and counseling services; and operates primary care and after-hours medical facilities throughout West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia and South Carolina. OVP Health’s Care Center includes the organization's Call Center and Transportation departments. Megan is an experienced Business Administrator who oversees the daily operations and coordination of transportation and initial assistance for those seeking care through OVP Health's network of outpatient centers and Recovery Center located in South Point, OH. Megan was born and raised in Fairmont, West Virginia but has resided in the Huntington area for more than 20 years. She is a proud graduate of Marshall University where she received her BBA in Marketing Management in 2005. Through past work experience, she has extensive knowledge in Project Management and Customer Service.

Steven Curry is currently an Associate Planner for the City of Huntington, WV. In 2023, Steven joined the city’s Planning and Zoning office. Steven was previously the GIS Analyst for the City of Ashland, KY. He is a lifelong resident of the Huntington area, growing up in Proctorville, OH with a passion for city planning and urban design. Steven graduated from Marshall University with a B.A. in Geography in 2016 and an M.A. in Geography in 2019, each with an emphases on Planning and GIS.

CW Dolin is a proud Marshall University alum and graduated with his B.A. in Political Science. CW is employed at Peoples Bank as an SBA Specialist in Operations. In this role, he works collaboratively across all departments to ensure that loans meet the guidelines and due diligence requirements for government lending programs. Beyond his professional responsibilities, CW is actively involved in the local community. He proudly serves on the Board of Directors for the Huntington YMCA .Additionally, CW is a member of the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State. He served as an appointed member of the City of Huntington Board of Zoning Appeals for three terms, including his last term as Chairman.

Sabrina Donahue-Moore, a lifelong Cabell County resident, is the Marketing & Business Development Director for VDM Management Group, where she manages marketing efforts and represents 31 Little Caesars locations, Dog Haus Biergarten, and various rental properties. She co-created the "Pizza Pizza Paws" fundraiser, benefiting 200 police K-9 teams with essential supplies. Sabrina is also the co-founder and President of Ernie’s Gift 4 CJD, a nonprofit raising awareness and funds for Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, established in memory of her late brother. Her community involvement includes supporting local non-profits and schools, and she has received numerous awards for her work, including Generation Next 40 Under 40 and VDM Outstanding Service Award. Her efforts have garnered national recognition for VDM’s marketing achievements.

Pagett Dusic is a freelance writer and published author from New York, who fell in love with West Virginia when she first attended WVU and has called this state her home for more than 30 years. With years of experience in corporate and internal communications, she currently supports Marshall Health Network marketing and communications initiatives for the system. Pagett lives in Barboursville, WV, and is passionate about writing on volunteerism and spreading kindness, reflecting her personal mission to inspire and empower others to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives. She recently published her third book, “Tiny Habits to Boost Your Mental Health”.

Mary Beth Ferda, a native of the upper Ohio Valley and Bethany College alumna, earned her MFA in poetry at the University of Florida in 2007 before studying massage therapy. After returning to West Virginia in 2012 with her husband, Daniel O'Malley, she opened a private massage therapy practice specializing in perinatal massage and chronic conditions. Alongside her practice, Mary Beth has worked as a freelance copywriter and editor since 2019. She recently joined The Honors College at Marshall University as Director of Student Engagement & Community Outreach. Mary Beth lives in the Southeast Hills neighborhood of Huntington with her husband and their two children.

Nikki Hagerman joined Habitat for Humanity of the Tri-State (HFHTS) as an Administrative Assistant on June 2, 2008, and after three years, transitioned to the newly created role of Homeowner Services Coordinator. In this position, she guides homebuyers through the entire homeownership process and has achieved certifications as a Mortgage Loan Originator, completed Neighborworks Homebuyer Education training, and passed the HUD Housing Counselor Certification exam. Nikki, a 2005 Ohio University graduate with a degree in Organization Communication, finds her work deeply rewarding, stating that helping homeowners from application to dedication makes her job fulfilling. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling with her husband, watching game shows (including her appearance on Wheel of Fortune in 2012), and supporting her favorite sports teams.

Amy Moffat Jones-Burdick is a life coach with the Marshall University H.E.L.P. program, where she supports college students with ADHD and learning differences in achieving their academic and professional goals. Her role involves helping students with social adjustment, stress management, self-regulation, and developing habits for independence. Amy holds degrees from Vanderbilt University, Marshall University, the University of Southern Mississippi, and the University of Louisville Medical School, and has a background in child and adolescent psychology from her work in Tennessee, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, gardening, and traveling with her husband Hoyt, CMO of Marshall Health, and their daughter Anastasia, who studies Public Policy at the University of Virginia. The family lives in Huntington with their rescued squirrel, BluBelle.

Haley Linville, a Putnam County native, moved to Huntington in 2004 to study political science and history at Marshall University, graduating in 2010. She began her career in state government, working with the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, the State Auditor’s Office, and the Bureau for Child Support. In 2019, Haley joined the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) as Business Services Manager, where she has been passionate about nonprofit work and community advocacy. She met her husband at Marshall University, and they have two young daughters. In her spare time, Haley volunteers with local nonprofits, enjoys family activities, traveling, hiking, reading, and collecting mid-century modern furniture. She is committed to expanding AFB's impact in Huntington and using the city for pilot programs to benefit individuals who are blind or have low vision.

Katy Maynard, MA, AADC, LPC, ALPS, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Approved Licensed Professional Supervisor, and Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor in West Virginia, specializing in substance use disorders. She earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees from Marshall University and currently serves as the Director of Project Hope for Women at Marshall Health's Division of Addiction Science. With experience in various treatment settings since 2010, Katy is dedicated to supporting those with substance use disorders. Residing in Lavalette but originally from Baltimore, Katy is married to Hank and is a mother to Tucker and Judson. She is passionate about advocating for rare diseases in memory of her late son Judson and actively volunteers as President of Lavalette Elementary School’s Community in Action, a Peer Group Leader for the GFPD’s bereaved parent support group, and a National Rare Diseases Advocate.

James Plymale, a Ceredo-Kenova native, completed his education at Spring Valley High School and Marshall University before earning his real estate license from Spruce School of Real Estate in 2016. Now based in Milton, James has nearly a decade of experience in real estate, leveraging his local expertise to assist clients across West Virginia. He is passionate about interior and landscape design, transforming houses into homes, and is actively involved with the Huntington Board of Realtors, the Kanawha Valley Board of Realtors, and their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Outside of work, James enjoys spending time with family, friends, and his mini-Schnauzer, Maude, and looks forward to continuing his service to the real estate community.

Mesha Shamblin serves as the Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Human Resources at Mountwest Community & Technical College, where she has spent the past eight years gaining a wide range of higher education leadership experience. A proud graduate of Marshall University, Mesha holds an MBA and BA in Accounting, is SHRM certified, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of the Cumberlands. As a first-generation college graduate, Mesha is passionate about helping Appalachians succeed through increasing access to education in the region.

Ariana Shives is an experienced leader in technology and innovation with a background in neuroscience, social entrepreneurship, and product design. She earned her B.A. in Neuroscience and an M.S. in Social Entrepreneurship from the University of Southern California. Ariana's career began at various tech startups in Los Angeles. She then co-founded Kairos Financial, a mission-driven fintech company, where she led product design. Currently, Ariana is the Founder and Design Director of Mastermind Media Works, a digital marketing agency she established. Additionally, she serves as the Program Manager of the West Virginia Digital Identity Tech Hub, a federally funded initiative aiming to position West Virginia as a leader in digital identity solutions, and as the Executive Director of TechConnect WV, an organization that seeks to diversify the state’s economy through innovation-based economic development.

Isaac Sinclair, a native of Summersville, West Virginia, earned a bachelor's degree in Finance and an MBA from Liberty University, where he also studied abroad in Europe. After graduating, he pursued a career in commercial banking to support local businesses and moved to Huntington in September 2022 to work as a Commercial Portfolio Manager at United Bank. Isaac is dedicated to West Virginia's future, actively participating in organizations like the WV Chamber of Commerce, the Country Roads Angel Network, and Friends of Fisher House of the Tri-State. He values his involvement in the Leadership Huntington program and is committed to investing in his community.

Kyle Sowards, a Proctorville, Ohio native and Fairland High School graduate, attended Alderson Broaddus University before transferring to Marshall University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical/Computer Engineering in 2016. During his time at Marshall, he interned with Rubberlite Inc. and subsequently joined the company as a Process Automation Engineer. Over the past five years, Kyle has advanced to Run Plant Engineer for Rubberlite's polyurethane foam manufacturing unit. In addition to his engineering career, Kyle is a licensed Bail Bondsman in West Virginia and Ohio and actively invests in real estate, owning five properties. He is passionate about contributing to and thriving in the Tri-State area.

Walker Tatum, a native of Wayne, WV, began his studies at Marshall University in 2020, where he excelled academically and made significant contributions outside the classroom. He served as Student Body Vice-President in 2022 and President, Vice-Chair of the WV Advisory Council of Students, and student representative on the Marshall University Board of Governors in 2023. Walker earned the Gilman Scholarship and advocated for food insecurity, testifying in support of the Hunger Free Campus Act, which will lead to a major renovation of the Marshall Food Pantry & Thrift Store. After graduating with a degree in biological science, Walker chose to stay at Marshall University as Director of Alumni Engagement at the Marshall University Foundation, where he connects with nearly 120,000 alumni worldwide. He resides in Wayne, WV with his bernedoodle, Ziti.

Rebecca Thomas is the owner of True Soul Boutique, a women’s clothing, accessory and gift boutique located in downtown Huntington. She was born and raised in Huntington. Her very first job, during her high school years, was working for the clothing retailer, Limited Two. During her college years at Marshall University, she worked for the clothing retailer, Buckle. She graduated from Marshall with a degree in International Business. Upon graduation, she transferred to a Buckle store in Tampa, FL., returning later to West Virginia. Rebecca had long dreamed of opening her own clothing boutique. Her dream became a reality in the Fall of 2020, when, she opened up her own boutique at 905 4th Avenue. The business has grown ever since. Rebecca has a true passion for her customers and for the community. She loves helping people let their “True Soul Shine”!

Steven Turner, a native of Williamson, WV, moved to Huntington to attend Marshall University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education in 2011 and was an active member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He then obtained his J.D. from Appalachian School of Law in 2014 and has completed extensive training in negotiation and civil litigation. Steven is now an attorney and Member at Jenkins Fenstermaker, PLLC, specializing in commercial, construction, consumer, personal injury, and insurance defense litigation. Named to the Super Lawyers Rising Stars List in 2023 and 2024, Steven is also involved in the community, serving on the boards of the Huntington YMCA and Goodwill Industries KYOWVA, Inc. He is married to Lauren Turner and they have two children, Grayson and Emory, and he enjoys golf and sports in his free time.

Matthew Ward specializes in commercial litigation, focusing on representing lenders and creditors in consumer disputes, including cases under the West Virginia Consumer Credit Protection Act and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. His background in banking and mortgage origination, including his former role as a branch manager at Wells Fargo Financial, enhances his effectiveness in handling estate planning, bankruptcy, and general litigation. Additionally, he manages collection matters such as commercial debt collection and foreclosures. Actively involved in his community, Matthew volunteers with HealthyTriState.org, Penny Power, various youth sports programs in Ceredo/Kenova, and co-founded Wonders Never Cease, a nonprofit promoting youth sports. He also serves as treasurer on the board of Wonders Never Cease and the Tri-State Youth Football League.

Amber Yost is the Principal, Interior Design at Edward Tucker Architects, where she oversees a diverse array of projects, including healthcare, k-12, hospitality, corporate, and higher education. Starting as the sole interior designer, Amber’s leadership and vision have transformed the role into a key part of the firm, known for delivering innovative and client-focused solutions. Maintaining a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of space planning, design principles, and furniture specification, Amber excels at transforming spaces into vibrant and purposeful environments that cater to the unique needs of each client. Outside of work, Amber enjoys spending time with her husband James and their son Oliver, throwing pottery, reading, and traveling with friends.

Inaugural Class: 2023-2024

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

2023 Session Topics

Tourism

Workforce Development

The Workforce Development session featured a series of expert-led discussions and hands-on activities. The day began with insights on educational barriers, recovery to work, and state commerce strategies. Participants also engaged in a screen printing activity with Mountain Mindful at Coalfield Development's West Edge Factory. The session closed with strategic reflections on workforce development, emphasizing community growth and economic strategies.

Healthcare

The Healthcare session focused on enhancing leadership and services in healthcare. The day featured discussions on servant leadership by Dr. Kevin Yingling. Attendees toured the St. Mary’s Center for Education's Nursing, Respiratory Care, and Medical Imaging facilities and participated in a panel on the future of regional healthcare. The session included tours of Cabell Huntington Hospital’s specialized units, providing attendees with firsthand experience of cutting-edge healthcare facilities.

Manufacturing

The Manufacturing session provided an in-depth look at the sector's local impact and advancements. The session featured a panel discussion on the scope of manufacturing in Cabell and Wayne counties. The class learned about lean manufacturing principles and explored economic impacts. The day included tours of the Marshall Advanced ManufacturingCenter and Rubberlite, where Jeff Goad highlighted innovations in polyurethanes and performance foams. The session concluded with a leadership wrap-up, reflecting on the substantial contributions of manufacturing to the regional economy.

State Government

The State Government session started with a breakfast meet and greet at the State Capitol, providing an opportunity to network with Marshall leaders, statewide officials, and members of the Legislature. The class was recognized in both the House of Delegates and the Senate chambers, marking a significant moment for attendees. Throughout the day, participants engaged in discussions with key figures such as Governor Jim Justice, Senate President Craig Blair, and Speaker of the House Roger Hanshaw. They also visited the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals and received updates from the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office and Auditor's Office. The session concluded with insights into lobbying and getting involved in state government, featuring speakers from Antero Resources and the Marshall Health Network. This comprehensive session provided an in-depth look at the workings of state government and the importance of civic engagement.

Media & Arts

The Media & Arts session showcased the local media and arts sectors. Starting with a tour of Kindred Communications, the day featured a live observation of news production at WSAZ and hands-on newsroom activities. Participants engaged in discussions with leaders from Huntington's arts community, gaining insights into the impact of arts locally. Practical sessions on effective communication and media interview handling were also highlighted. The session concluded with a creative theater activity at Foundry Theater, underscoring the synergy between media, arts, and leadership development.

Marshall University

The Leadership Huntington session at Marshall University offered a look into the leadership and culture at Marshall. The day included a leadership panel with university executives and discussions on alumni relations and DEI in HR. The class toured the new baseball stadium and engaged with head men's soccer coach Chris Grassie on Championship Behavior. The day wrapped up with a reflective campfire activity, reinforcing the themes of teamwork and effective leadership within an organizational context.

Local Government

The Local Government session provided a comprehensive overview of local governance. The day featured insights from local leaders like Mayor Steve Williams and discussions on staffing and leadership with Irv Johnson. Participants also engaged in tours of the Huntington Police and Fire Departments, gaining firsthand experience of public safety operations. Interactive activities, including a fire extinguisher demonstration, enriched the understanding of daily responsibilities within local government. This session offered valuable perspectives on the challenges and operations of local governance, fostering a deeper connection with community leadership.