The West Virginia Community Development Hub has announced the third cohort for its 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 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 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.
The 2023-24 cohort:
- Evan McWreath, Morgantown. McWreath 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. He holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental geoscience (2016) and a master’s degree in geography from West Virginia University (2019).
- Courtney Summers, Morgantown. Summers is originally from the greater Seattle area and came to West Virginia 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.
Also joining the cohort
- Laura Anderson, Weston. Anderson serves as the AmeriCorps program director for the City of Weston, responsible for building and creating a new, unique AmeriCorps Program.
- Kristina Culp, Grafton. Culp volunteers as executive director for the Tygart Artisans Guild in Grafton and is an employee of the Taylor County Public Library.
- Jenna Grayson, Fayetteville. Grayson is working on a “Micro Masters” program in Supply Chain Management through the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and was introduced to West Virginia as an AmeriCorps VISTA with WVU Science Adventure School.
- Tina Ladd, Romney. Ladd is the executive director of the Hampshire County Convention & Visitors Bureau and oversees major local events, such as the Hampshire County Farm Crawl and the Potomac Highlands Sportsman & Outdoor Show.
- Erica Marks, Hillsboro. Marks is the founder and director of the Yew Mountain Center in Pocahontas County.
- Robby Moore, Beckley. 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.
- Beth Salvo, Frametown. Originally from New Jersey, Salvo the owner of Bigfoot Braxxie’s Bikes in Gassaway and volunteers with senior citizens in Braxton County.
