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Generation WV Presents: Pathways to Progress – Building Careers, Communities, and Opportunity in West Virginia

2026 Pathways to Progress Agenda


May 14, 2026 - Embassy Suites - Charleston, WV

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Pathways to Progress — Conference Agenda
Generation West Virginia · 2026 Annual Conference
Pathways to Progress
Building Careers, Communities, and Opportunity in West Virginia
Plenary / Main Room
Breakout Sessions
Keynote
Networking & Social
8:00 –
9:00 am
9:00 am
Plenary
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Setting the tone for the day and grounding the conversation in GWV's mission and impact, with a welcome from the City of Charleston.
Dr. Jade Irving serves as Vice Chair of Generation West Virginia and Senior Project Officer with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. Her work focuses on strengthening alignment between education and workforce needs, improving access, and supporting clear pathways into high-demand careers.
As Executive Director, Robbie Skinner leads Generation West Virginia’s statewide efforts to attract, retain, and advance young professionals while strengthening the state’s workforce and economic future.
More info coming soon!
Max Knapp is a West Virginian finance and investment leader whose experience spans Wall Street, private equity, private wealth management, and entrepreneurship. He is Managing Director for Wing 2 Wing Ventures, where he helps nurture and invest in West Virginia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Main Room
9:30 –
10:00 am
Plenary
I Am Generation WV
A fast-paced, story-driven overview of Generation West Virginia programs and alumni highlights.
Kel Cecil is a technology entrepreneur and ecosystem builder focused on growing the startup economy in Appalachia. As the founder of Readyfuels, he partners with early-stage companies to design, build, and launch technology products, serving as a fractional CTO and hands-on collaborator. He’s especially driven by helping founders turn ideas into real, working products—and has a deep appreciation for the momentum that comes from shipping something new. Kel serves as Board Chair of Generation West Virginia and Secretary of TechConnect WV, where he helps connect talent, ideas, and opportunity across the state. His work centers on creating practical pathways for individuals and communities to participate in the technology economy—through startups, workforce development, and new models of collaboration.
Director of Development and Community Engagement — Cabell-Huntington Coalition for the Homeless
Communications Manager - City of Fairmont · Marion County
Vice President & Senior Trust Officer - WesBanco Retirement Plan Services
CEO & President, MD Formula, LLC
Media Executive - WSAZ/Gray Digital Media
Executive Director — Elk River Trail Foundation
Lead Engineer, Booz Allen Hamilton
Generation West Virginia American Connections Corps Member
Main Room
10:00 –
11:00 am
Breakout A
Employer Solutions Lab: Building a Stronger Business Model Through Strategic Partnerships
Lightning talks on PEO services, financial consulting, employment law, marketing, and GWV recruiting — followed by moderated discussion.
Sarah is an organizational design consultant and people strategist with over 20 years of experience in leadership development, team effectiveness, and organizational change. She currently runs workableSCK, a consulting practice focused on helping teams and companies work better.
Jeffrey K. Mullins, known as “Bubblegum,” is a West Virginia business leader, former state senator, and entrepreneur. A graduate of Bluefield State College, he earned a B.S. in Business Administration and played collegiate basketball from 1987 to 1989. He served in the West Virginia Senate representing Raleigh County from 2015 to 2018, focusing on economic development and energy policy. In the private sector, Mullins built and sold multiple businesses and became a pioneer in the Professional Employer Organization (PEO) industry, leading Employers’ Innovative Network (EIN) to become the largest PEO in the region. Today, he serves as Consultant and Director of Business Development at AscendHR, working alongside former EIN colleagues. He also serves on the Industrial Council for the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner and as Chair of the West Virginia Board of Review for Unemployment Compensation. He remains actively engaged in regional development and community efforts, including supporting the Down Syndrome Network.
Session focus: PEO services.
Candice Holcomb is a mission-driven finance leader who blends technical expertise with a deep commitment to helping purpose-based organizations thrive. She partners with nonprofit and social-impact clients to build clear, data-driven financial systems that support strategic growth and sustainability.
Session focus: Financial consulting.
Marcus Black grew up in Charleston, West Virginia and attended Charleston Catholic High School. He went on to attend West Virginia Wesleyan College, where he majored in psychology and minored in political science. Marcus has always found the social sciences fascinating, which led him to pursue a career in the legal field because he felt that law was a mix of all the social sciences, including psychology, political science, philosophy, and sociology. He attended West Virginia University’s College of Law, and, after graduating, began working at Steptoe & Johnson’s office in Charleston, WV. He has been an associate attorney in Steptoe & Johnson’s Labor and Employment Department for five years, and he specializes in employment litigation. In his work, he predominantly defends employers in lawsuits relating to claims of discrimination, retaliation, harassment. He also represents employers in administrative actions before the West Virginia Human Rights Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Apart from his role in defending employers in lawsuits, he has also advised employers on non-litigation matters and has drafted employee handbooks for employers.
Session focus: Employment law.
Peyton Ballard is the founder of Selah Directive, where he partners with mission-driven organizations and founders to create clarity, close operational gaps, and build momentum for what comes next. Through Selah, he has helped clients secure multi-million dollar capital investments, strengthen organizational infrastructure, and lead with purpose through seasons of growth and transition.
Session focus: Marketing & communications.
Since joining Generation WV as the Career Connector Program Manager, Evan has been instrumental in helping connect job seekers with meaningful employment opportunities. He works closely with companies, assists clients using the Generational Talent Search, and supports job seekers with resumes, cover letters, and interview skills.
Session focus: GWV recruiting services.
Main Room
Breakout B
Tech Talk: Innovation Shaping the Future of Work in West Virginia
AI policy, telehealth access, emerging technology partnerships, and business connectivity solutions. Moderated by Ariana Shives, Tech Connect.
Ariana Shives is a social entrepreneur and innovation leader dedicated to advancing technology-driven economic development in West Virginia. She serves as Executive Director of TechConnect West Virginia and regularly works with founders, investors, universities, and policymakers to strengthen the state’s innovation economy.
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More info coming soon!
Session focus: AI solutions and AI policy considerations for employers.
Courtney Reynolds, PA-C, MBA, serves as Chief Operations Officer at Southern West Virginia Health System, where she has spent nearly two decades advancing healthcare delivery, operational efficiency, and telehealth solutions to better serve rural populations.
Session focus: Telehealth and workforce access.
Tami Watkins is Director of State and Local Government Affairs for Comcast, with more than 20 years of experience across telecommunications, infrastructure, and energy. She works closely with state and local leaders, nonprofits, and community partners, known for building strong coalitions and advancing practical solutions. A Charleston, West Virginia native, Tami’s leadership is rooted in a deep commitment to community. She is a graduate of Shepherd University and West Virginia University and remains closely connected to her home state.
Mario Acosta-Velez leads regional strategy for high-impact corporate social responsibility and local engagement initiatives. His work includes philanthropic giving, stakeholder engagement, technology education, and partnerships that advance workforce development and economic opportunity.
Session focus: Business connectivity solutions.
Breakout Room
11:00 am
Keynote
Keeping Our Kids in West Virginia
Hope Gas CEO Morgan O'Brien outlines a statewide strategy to build career pathways between education and the natural gas industry — from high school classroom engagement through paid summer rotations and apprenticeships.
Morgan K. O’Brien is Hope’s Chief Executive Officer. He previously led Duquesne Light Company and Peoples Gas and has built a reputation for positioning utilities as community partners that drive economic development, create family-sustaining jobs, and improve quality of life.
Session focus: The keynote highlights Hope Academy, a statewide partnership connecting high schools and career and technical education programs to classroom engagement, paid summer job rotations, and apprenticeship pathways in the natural gas industry.
Main Room
11:30 am –
12:30 pm
12:30 –
2:45 pm
Plenary
Staying Power: What It Takes to Retain Young West Virginians
Join an experienced group of topic experts in a candid conversation about the factors influencing whether young people stay, return, or leave. Seat yourself at your preferred topic and please spread out if it’s full.
Housing Availability and Affordability
Karen Jacobson — Woodlands Development Group
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Karen Jacobson is the Deputy Director and co-founder of Woodlands Community Lenders, a CDFI in Elkins, West Virginia, that provides critical financing and job creation support to local businesses. Previously, she served as the Executive Director of the Randolph County Housing Authority for fourteen years, overseeing diverse regional programs ranging from housing vouchers to workforce development. Her commitment to the region extends to her leadership roles on the boards of Invest Appalachia, Partner Community Capital, and Tucker County Connections. An MBA graduate from Boston University and Harvard’s Kennedy School, Karen moved to West Virginia in 1992 following a life-changing climbing trip to Seneca Rocks.y.
Childcare and Family Supports
Jason Moss — Wonderschool
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Jason Moss is an entrepreneurial senior executive with over 20 years of experience launching EdTech products and business divisions for global markets and government customers. He currently serves as the Head of New Government Initiatives at Wonderschool, where he leads efforts to support local child care providers, including work on West Virginia’s Tri-Share Child Care initiative. An MBA graduate of the Kellogg School of Management, Jason lives in New York and is preparing to become an "empty nester" this fall.
Healthcare Access
Teri Harlan — Fayette County Health Department
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Teri Harlan has served as the Executive Director of the Fayette County Health Department for over nine years, where she leads initiatives to improve community health and strengthen local public health services. A graduate of Concord College, she has dedicated the majority of her career to healthcare administration within nonprofit organizations, driven by a commitment to service and community impact. Based in Oak Hill, Teri is the proud mother of four adult children and has been a resident of West Virginia since 1989.
Wages and Job Quality
Jamon Schmidt — Goodwill
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Jamon Schmidt serves as the Director of Marketing and Communications for Goodwill Industries of the Summit, where he has spearheaded major rebranding efforts and the opening of nine retail locations since 2020. A native of South Texas and a Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi graduate, he is a member of the 2025 Charleston Area Alliance Leadership Team and a graduate of Goodwill’s Senior Leader Program. Outside of his professional role, Jamon is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt with over a decade of martial arts experience, bringing a sense of discipline and creativity to his work in community empowerment.
Broadband Access
Elizabeth Sanner — Appalachian Regional Commission
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Elizabeth Sanner is a Broadband Program Manager at the Appalachian Regional Commission, where she oversees broadband investment strategy and program design across a multi-state region. Her work focuses on aligning infrastructure funding with long-term economic development outcomes, particularly in rural and distressed communities. With a background in geospatial analysis and federal broadband programs, she brings a data-driven perspective to evaluating network performance, funding effectiveness, and policy impacts. She previously worked with electric cooperatives to secure major broadband grants and build sustainable rural networks
Social and Community Policies
Brianna Hickman — WV Hub
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Brianna Hickman, JD, MPA, is the CBRI Project Director at The WV Community Development Hub, where she helps communities build leadership and resilience for 21st-century economies. Her extensive public service includes terms on the Moundsville City Council and several current leadership roles, such as serving as the ONTRAC Board Chair and Vice Chair of the Arts & Culture Commission. Recently recognized as an Association of Junior Leagues International 40 Under 40 Honoree, Brianna enjoys spending her free time kayaking the Ohio River or exploring the woods with her golden retriever.
Workforce Re-entry
Kelly Coffin — Jobs and Hope
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Kelly Coffin has been a Transition Agent with the Jobs & Hope West Virginia program since 2019, providing case management and connecting individuals to resources for education and career employment. A social services professional with 13 years of experience, she previously served as the Northern Region Case Manager for Catholic Charities West Virginia and is currently working toward her LGSW licensure. Kelly holds a Master’s in Social Work and is an active community leader, participating in the Leadership Ohio Valley Program, the Northern Panhandle Reentry Alliance, and the Hancock and Brooke Young Professionals group.
Upskilling
Josiah Hannah — Coalfield Development
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Josiah Hannah is a Wayne County native, a husband, a father, and a believer (in Jesus, in the power of a hopeful heart, and lifelong learning). Josiah serves as the Director of Workforce Development for Coalfield Development. He is a graduate of Garrett College and Bucknell University where he specialized in organizational management, and business administration.
Local Services / Infrastructure
Cassandra Lawson — Region 4 Planning and Development Council
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Cassandra Lawson is a Senior Project Specialist at the Region 4 Planning and Development Council, where she has served since 2011. She has extensive experience managing a wide range of water and wastewater utility projects as well as other critical infrastructure. Her work focuses on helping communities navigate complex project development and implementation to improve essential public services.
Pathways to Local Civic Engagement
Robbie Skinner — Generation West Virginia
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As Executive Director, Robbie Skinner leads Generation West Virginia’s statewide efforts to attract, retain, and advance young professionals while strengthening the state’s workforce and economic future. A lifelong West Virginian and passionate advocate for his home state, Robbie is focused on expanding opportunity pipelines, strengthening employer engagement, and positioning West Virginia as a place where young professionals can build meaningful careers and fulfilling lives.
Main Room
2:45 –
3:00 pm
Break
Afternoon Break
3:00 –
4:00 pm
Breakout A
Data That Matters: What Community College Outcomes Tell Us About WV's Workforce
Findings from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond's Survey of WV Community College Outcomes. Moderated by Brandon Dennison, Marshall University.
Stephanie Norris is a regional economist focused on workforce, labor markets, and higher education in the Fifth District. She leads the bank’s Community College Initiative and directs the Survey of Community College Outcomes, a data collection effort designed to capture the role community colleges play in local workforce pipelines.
Brandon Dennison is Vice President for Workforce and Economic Development at Marshall University and Founder of Coalfield Development, which has launched 70+ businesses and trained over 3,000 workers. He holds degrees from Shepherd University (B.A.), Indiana University (M.P.A.), and West Virginia University (Ph.D.). Dennison is a JMK Social Innovation Prize winner, DRK Entrepreneur, Ashoka Fellow, and 2019 Heinz Award recipient. He is married to Ashley Dennison and father to Owen and Will.
Main Room
Breakout B
The Power of Connection in Rural Places: How Broadband Enables Young West Virginians to Build Meaningful Careers Without Leaving Home
Storytelling and facilitated discussion on broadband, telehealth, rural entrepreneurship, and digital skills. Moderated by Annie Stroud, GWV Broadband Program Director.
Annie Stroud leads the Generation WV Broadband program, leveraging expertise in project management, economic development, and community building to expand broadband access across the state. Her work has helped secure over $46 million in funding for broadband infrastructure and digital equity projects in West Virginia.
Bill Woodrum manages a broad portfolio of programs focused on building resilient communities and a vibrant economy for West Virginia. His work spans economic development, technology commercialization, entrepreneurship support, and nonprofit leadership.
Emily Huguenin is the Director of Talent Attraction and Retention for the WVU Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC). In this role, she oversees Ascend West Virginia, the nation’s premier remote worker relocation program. Through Ascend West Virginia and other talent retention initiatives, the OEDC empowers WV’s communities and partners to advance the state’s economy and enhance quality of life through outdoor recreation. Emily joined the OEDC’s team in March 2022, bringing over 15 years of experience in non-profit management, team leadership and outdoor recreation program development. Since then, Emily has guided the program to expand into its current six locations, developing initiatives that take the program to new heights and impact communities through talent attraction and retention. Emily is passionate about helping others enrich their lives through outdoor recreation while building up communities throughout the state.
Deborah has spent the past 40 years working to improve quality, access and survival for rural hospitals and post acute care facilities. Deborah is a registered nurse and holds a master's in health administration. Deborah spends her spare time serving on community boards and enjoying her 10 grandchildren. She lives on a farm in Nicholas County with her goats and chickens.
Cassandra Hull is a Lewis County, West Virginia native, wife, and mother of two. She has deep roots in her rural community and a strong commitment to service. She spent seven years working with older adults and three years supporting children, experiences that shaped her passion for community care. Recognizing a need for digital skills in her region, Cassandra now serves as an American Connection Corps member in Upshur County, where she works to expand digital literacy and bridge the connectivity gap in rural communities.
Luke Peters joined the West Virginia Office of Broadband in 2023 after a long career in community and infrastructure development. As Program Manager of the federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program, he helps guide implementation of one of the largest broadband investments in West Virginia.
Joshua Meadows is a service assistant professor in the Management Information Systems and Supply Chain (MISSC) Department at the John Chambers College of Business and Economics and serves as the executive director of Data Driven WV. This outreach center connects organizations with WVU students and faculty to provide data-driven, technical insights and solutions. As a West Virginia native, Joshua is dedicated to the economic development and prosperity of his home state. In his role, Joshua leverages his unique blend of technology and community outreach experience to bridge skills gaps in West Virginia communities through service-oriented initiatives, community projects, and subject-matter expertise in AI, technology, and data analytics.
Breakout Room
4:00 –
4:30 pm
Plenary
Intentional Leadership
How organizational systems, not just individual effort, drive engagement, performance, and retention.
Joelle Moray, LPC, is a keynote speaker, bestselling author, and organizational culture consultant whose work sits at the intersection of intentional leadership, sustainable performance, and the science of how culture actually gets built inside organizations. A former corporate leader, she left a 20-year career in 2023 to help organizations solve the problems traditional leadership development misses: capacity gaps, culture drift, and the hidden cost of never teaching leaders how to protect recovery. Her clients include enterprise organizations across healthcare, energy, finance, education, and professional sports including the NFL. Her debut book, What Are We Doing?!, debuted at #1 on Amazon in Workplace Culture. Her TEDx talk, "How to Actually Rest Without Feeling Guilty," has reached audiences nationally. Joelle holds credentials as a Licensed Professional Counselor, with specialized training in trauma-informed organizational practice. She is based in Wheeling, West Virginia.
Main Room
4:30 pm
Plenary
Closing Reflections & Next Steps
Key takeaways, calls to action, and how participants can continue engaging with Generation West Virginia.
Main Room
5:30 pm

 

Sponsorship Opportunities

Why Sponsor?

Connect with Decision-Makers

Engage directly with industry leaders, workforce experts, policymakers, and young professionals who are driving change across West Virginia. Your sponsorship puts you in front of 5,000+ business leaders, elected officials, and changemakers through our multi-channel marketing efforts.

Demonstrate Your Commitment

Show that your organization is invested in solving West Virginia’s most critical workforce challenges. From talent retention to emerging trends in healthcare, energy, technology, and education—this conference tackles the issues that matter most to our state’s future.

Amplify Your Brand

Gain prominent visibility through conference signage, our event website, email communications, social media campaigns, and recognition during the event. Your support will be seen by the people who matter most to your business.

Build Strategic Partnerships

Connect with key stakeholders across multiple sectors and discover collaboration opportunities that extend far beyond conference day. This is where relationships are forged and solutions are born.

Make an Impact

Whether you’re looking to position your company as a thought leader through panel participation, maximize your visibility with premier exhibitor space, or simply show your support for West Virginia’s workforce—we have a sponsorship package designed for you.

Ready to Chart West Virginia’s Future?

Help us build a network of changemakers and create actionable solutions for West Virginia’s workforce challenges. Your sponsorship makes this vital gathering possible.

Contact Jennifer Taylor, Director of Development
Email: jennifer@generationwv.org

Download Sponsorship Packet