Leadership WV Announces Class of 2026
CHARLESTON, WV (January 7, 2026) – Leadership West Virginia (LWV) is proud to announce the selection of the Class of 2026, a distinguished group of 58 outstanding leaders from across the state. Representing a broad range of industries and communities, these individuals were selected for their demonstrated leadership, commitment to community service, and passion for advancing the future of West Virginia.
Jen Willits, executive director of LWV, expressed enthusiasm for the incoming class. “We are incredibly excited to welcome the Class of 2026. The selection process is highly competitive, as we received applications from many exceptional leaders across the state. Those selected have already made meaningful contributions in their careers and communities, and we believe they are ready to expand their influence and work collaboratively to help shape West Virginia’s future.”
Now celebrating its 35th year, LWV is a statewide leadership development program designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the issues and opportunities facing the state while building strong connections across industries and regions.
The Class of 2026, which kicks off in May, will embark on a seven-month, hands-on educational journey, participating in a curriculum that explores the challenges and successes of West Virginia’s healthcare, education, energy, economic development, government and tourism sectors. Through immersive sessions and statewide travel, participants will enhance their leadership, communication and problem-solving skills; engage with different regions of the state; and connect with a network of more than 1,700 alumni.
Robbie Morris, chairman of the LWV Board of Directors, said, “It is my honor to welcome the exceptional individuals selected for the Leadership West Virginia Class of 2026. This diverse group embodies the talent, dedication and vision our state needs to thrive. As we celebrate our 35th year, I am confident these leaders will build lasting connections, gain deeper insight into West Virginia’s opportunities and challenges and emerge even better equipped to drive positive change in their communities and across the Mountain State.”
LWV proudly announces the 2026 class:
Carrie Allender – Davis Trust Company (Randolph)
Brittany Alston – Jackson Kelly PLLC (Monongalia)
Reid Bailey – USI Insurance (Kanawha)
Todd Bergstrom – Vandalia Health (Monongalia)
Neil Bumgarner – Alltech Feed (Mason)
Tom Campbell – Greenbrier Technologies and Electric (Greenbrier)
Samantha Carney – Shawnee Sports Complex / Kanawha County Commission (Kanawha)
Alex Chaney – Charles Ryan Associates (Putnam)
Carly Chapman – ZMM Architects & Engineers, LLC (Kanawha)
Angela Christian – Boone Memorial Health (Boone)
Jonathon Clingerman – Randolph Technical Center (Randolph)
John Collins – Huntington Bank (Monongalia)
Nicholas Cooper – HealthNet Aeromedical Services Inc. (Greenbrier)
Jarrod Dean – City of Williamson Parks and Recreation Commission (Mingo)
William Dempsey – Webster Memorial Hospital (Webster)
Rob Dudley – Coplin Health Systems (Wood)
Derrick Fickling – The Health Plan (Ohio)
Trinity Gray – Vandalia Health, Inc. (Kanawha)
Sonya Hairston – YWCA Charleston (Kanawha)
Adam Harlow – Dinsmore & Shohl LLP (Cabell)
Morgan Hodge – City National Bank (Greenbrier)
Ashley Horst – Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications (Jefferson)
Justin Jarrell – NACS, Inc. (Mason)
Scott Jones – Appalachian Power (Raleigh)
Kevin Junkins – Community Care of West Virginia (Harrison)
Cody Justice – WellSpring Family Services (Mingo)
Ashley King – HospiceCare (Kanawha)
Justin McAllister – West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (Greenbrier)
Shakita Micek – MD Formula, LLC (Raleigh)
Erskine Mink – Suttle & Stalnaker, PLLC (Logan)
Hannah Mitchell – Escapade Digital Marketing, LLC (Fayette)
Travis Mollohan – West Virginia University (Monongalia)
Emily Morrow – West Virginia University Extension Service (Jefferson)
Meghan Moses – Moses Auto Group (Kanawha)
Spencer Murphy – Truist (Cabell)
Audrianna Neil – Southern WV AHEC–Williamson Health & Wellness Center (Kanawha)
Megan Orphanos – Charleston Area Medical Center / University of Charleston (Kanawha)
Stephanie Paluda – Expand Energy (Marshall)
Jayson Pendell – Encova Insurance (Kanawha)
Tanya Rogers – WVU Medicine (Monongalia)
Kristy Rosano – Philips Healthcare (Kanawha)
Steven Royce – Steptoe & Johnson PLLC (Monongalia)
Courtney Sierra – WesBanco Bank (Ohio)
Seth Skiles – 2025 Teacher of the Year (Putnam)
Jennie Smith – WV Rivers Coalition (Monongalia)
Michele Smith – KeyLogic, LLC (Monongalia)
Lauren Snyder – WomenCare, Inc. DBA FamilyCare Health Centers (Kanawha)
Matthew Stickel – Potomac Bank (Jefferson)
Deanna Swisher – City Insurance Services Inc. (Putnam)
Brittany Trippett – Connect and Create Marketing (Cabell)
Tyler Tummolo – Varsity Travel (Berkeley)
Ed Vallandingham – Premier Wealth Partners (Kanawha)
Daniel Ware – Citizens Bank of WV (Randolph)
Brittany Watson – West Virginia National Guard (Kanawha)
Megan Weatherford – Fayette County Chamber of Commerce (Fayette)
Megan Webb – West Virginia University Foundation – Potomac State (Mineral)
Jared Woofter – Dow Chemical (Kanawha)
Sherri Young – WVU Medicine (Kanawha)
About LWV: LWV is a nonprofit, statewide education and leadership development program dedicated to strengthening the future of West Virginia. The seven-month program brings together leaders from a broad range of industries and regions across the state to deepen their understanding of both the challenges facing West Virginia and the unique assets that define it. Recognizing that strong leadership is essential to the state’s prosperity and progress, LWV is designed to develop, connect, and inspire a cross-section of visionary leaders. Participants are encouraged to leverage their talents and influence to drive collaboration, spark innovation, and foster renewed energy, enthusiasm, and vitality throughout West Virginia. Leadership West Virginia is affiliated with the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce. To learn more, visit www.leadershipwv.org.