Celebrate America Women of Distinction for 2023 are Named with Multiple Bridgeport Residents on List
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on June 05, 2023 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
The Progressive Women’s Association has announced that the following women will be honored at the annual Celebrate America luncheon to be held at the Uptown Event Center on June 16 at noon.
These women are being honored for their achievements but most importantly for their contributions through volunteering.The projects these women are involved in make a big difference in our community.
If you want to attend this celebration of these wonderful women RSVP by June 14. Call at 304-624-6881 or email us at uptowneventcenter2014@gmail.com.
As always our most sincere thank you to Davis Funeral Home for helping the PWA make this event special for these wonderful women.
Judy Bonamico
Judy has been infusing her community with positive change since before she can remember. Born and raised in Clarksburg, WV to a large and loving family, Judy carries that sense of family and faith into all that she accomplishes. From a very young age Judy was encouraged
to give back to the three most important areas in her life: God, Family, Community. In 2019, she felt a tug on her heart to expand her community service mindset and with that Expressions of Love was born. A group of dedicated, compassionate, and giving individuals banded with Judy to help those who needed it most, in their own backyards. Judy started Expressions of Love as an answer to what truly felt like a calling. Within the short four years the group has been helping people, they’ve had numerous fundraisers and helped countless folks in the community. As a Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Small Business Owner, Active Parishioner, and Avid Crafter, Judy leads with love in all her roles.
to give back to the three most important areas in her life: God, Family, Community. In 2019, she felt a tug on her heart to expand her community service mindset and with that Expressions of Love was born. A group of dedicated, compassionate, and giving individuals banded with Judy to help those who needed it most, in their own backyards. Judy started Expressions of Love as an answer to what truly felt like a calling. Within the short four years the group has been helping people, they’ve had numerous fundraisers and helped countless folks in the community. As a Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Small Business Owner, Active Parishioner, and Avid Crafter, Judy leads with love in all her roles.
Tracy Brady
Tracy was born in Arkansas and raised between New York and Texas before settling in WV when she was 16. Tracy’s father was in Aerospace and that entailed moving as required. The scenery 
may have changed, and often, but the opportunity for serving others was always present even when she was little.Tracy left Clarksburg in 1999 to enlist in the Navy in Northeastern Chicago Illinois, and again in 2006 to Philadelphia due to her child's medical needs. She has resided in Adamston since 2008 and is very proud her children were able to remain in the same area from Kindergarten to Adulthood. Tracy believes the consistency of environment, and connections with others is paramount to creating lifelong collaborations. That is something she was not afforded as a child, and was one thing she was insistent upon: having her children understand what it was like to have a community to both call home, and immerse oneself in. Tracy received her education through Fairmont State College, Fairmont State University, and Colorado Tech in the following areas: Associate in Physical Therapy Assisting, BSBA in Healthcare Management,BSBA Accounting and Finance, MBA Project Management and MBA Human Resources. She has served and currently serves our community and state in the following areas/ capacities: Arc of Harrison County- President, Board of Directors. Central WV Transit Authority (Centra) - Secretary/ Treasurer- Board of Directors, Blue Yonder Outreach- Board of Directors, Adamston Lions Club- Treasurer and District 29I Disaster Relief Volunteer, Red Cross Disaster Relief Volunteer, Clarksburg League for Service, NCWV Alzheimer's Association- Harrison County Committee- Team Champion, United Way 2022/2023 Small Business Campaign Chairm Horsecare Provider /Therapeutic Riding Instructor - Stars and Strides, Winterfest Entertainment Co-Coordinator, Clarksburg First Fridays- Entertainment Committee, Clarksburg Public Safety Taskforce, Clarksburg Beautification Committee, Clarksburg Community Action. Tracy consistently volunteers @ approx. 100 hours per year. She strongly believes in service before self, and no effort is too small. It's all of our community and she loves seeing the dedication to making it the best place it can be.
may have changed, and often, but the opportunity for serving others was always present even when she was little.Tracy left Clarksburg in 1999 to enlist in the Navy in Northeastern Chicago Illinois, and again in 2006 to Philadelphia due to her child's medical needs. She has resided in Adamston since 2008 and is very proud her children were able to remain in the same area from Kindergarten to Adulthood. Tracy believes the consistency of environment, and connections with others is paramount to creating lifelong collaborations. That is something she was not afforded as a child, and was one thing she was insistent upon: having her children understand what it was like to have a community to both call home, and immerse oneself in. Tracy received her education through Fairmont State College, Fairmont State University, and Colorado Tech in the following areas: Associate in Physical Therapy Assisting, BSBA in Healthcare Management,BSBA Accounting and Finance, MBA Project Management and MBA Human Resources. She has served and currently serves our community and state in the following areas/ capacities: Arc of Harrison County- President, Board of Directors. Central WV Transit Authority (Centra) - Secretary/ Treasurer- Board of Directors, Blue Yonder Outreach- Board of Directors, Adamston Lions Club- Treasurer and District 29I Disaster Relief Volunteer, Red Cross Disaster Relief Volunteer, Clarksburg League for Service, NCWV Alzheimer's Association- Harrison County Committee- Team Champion, United Way 2022/2023 Small Business Campaign Chairm Horsecare Provider /Therapeutic Riding Instructor - Stars and Strides, Winterfest Entertainment Co-Coordinator, Clarksburg First Fridays- Entertainment Committee, Clarksburg Public Safety Taskforce, Clarksburg Beautification Committee, Clarksburg Community Action. Tracy consistently volunteers @ approx. 100 hours per year. She strongly believes in service before self, and no effort is too small. It's all of our community and she loves seeing the dedication to making it the best place it can be.
Mary Joanne (Mary Jo) Flaherty
Mary Jo was born in Clarksburg in 1951. She and her brother Timothy grew up in Clarksburg. Her parents were the late Genevie M 
“Chick” Capicola Flaherty. Mary Jo went to area schools and graduated from Notre Dame High School June 1970. She went on to get her nursing degree and graduated from Salem College 1972 with Associate Degree And then went to West Liberty State College May 1981 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science of Nursing. Mary Jo worked at United Hospital Center from May 1972 to September 2010. She is very active with her church Our Lady of the Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Stonewood. Mary Jo served on the board of the WV Italian Heritage Festival for 12 years, from 2009 to 2021 and still volunteers for the festival since 2022. Mary Jo is very active with the Parish Nurse Ministry of Immaulate Conception Catholic Church in Clarksburg since 2014 and a former member of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston-Council on Disabilities. Mary Jo was also the recipient of the Irish Legends of Harrison County Catholic Church in 2009. She loves helping whenever and however she can. Her parents were the late Joseph P. Flaherty and Genevie M. "Chick" Capicola Flaherty.
“Chick” Capicola Flaherty. Mary Jo went to area schools and graduated from Notre Dame High School June 1970. She went on to get her nursing degree and graduated from Salem College 1972 with Associate Degree And then went to West Liberty State College May 1981 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science of Nursing. Mary Jo worked at United Hospital Center from May 1972 to September 2010. She is very active with her church Our Lady of the Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Stonewood. Mary Jo served on the board of the WV Italian Heritage Festival for 12 years, from 2009 to 2021 and still volunteers for the festival since 2022. Mary Jo is very active with the Parish Nurse Ministry of Immaulate Conception Catholic Church in Clarksburg since 2014 and a former member of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston-Council on Disabilities. Mary Jo was also the recipient of the Irish Legends of Harrison County Catholic Church in 2009. She loves helping whenever and however she can. Her parents were the late Joseph P. Flaherty and Genevie M. "Chick" Capicola Flaherty.
Judy Hileman
Judy was born and raised in Harrison County. During her childhood she grew up on the Corbin Branch. And a graduate of Grafton High School with the class of ’61. She later graduated from
Morgantown Beauty School and worked for Mildred’s Beauty Shop in Shinnston. Her husband of 58 years married in 1965. They have 3 children, David, Michelle and Deanna and several grandchildren. Judy was a trusted babysitter in her home and after 30 years working at Wee Care Pre-School of Clarksburg Baptist Church. Where she was known as “Ms. Judy” literally touching and sharing the lives of hundreds of children. Many of the parents and grant parents of those children still refer to her as “Ms. Judy”. She is a member of Clarksburg Baptist Church since 1979 and served with the Christian Ed. Board, Nursery Coordinator, American Baptist Women and in charge of Operation Christmas Shoe Box Ministry. She became a volunteer at the Lord’s Food Pantry from 2005 to the closing 2020 (15 yrs.) She and her husband were responsible for purchasing and picking up the food supplies from local retail stores and receiving USDA food supplies from Mt. Food Bank. They dedicated many hours weekly to ensure that the pantry shelves were stocked and coordinated Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and the extra food give ways. Judy is a thoughtful and caring person, often visiting the “shut-ins”. Her pride and joy is her family especially the grandchildren. She and her husband now attend Simpson Creek Baptist.
Morgantown Beauty School and worked for Mildred’s Beauty Shop in Shinnston. Her husband of 58 years married in 1965. They have 3 children, David, Michelle and Deanna and several grandchildren. Judy was a trusted babysitter in her home and after 30 years working at Wee Care Pre-School of Clarksburg Baptist Church. Where she was known as “Ms. Judy” literally touching and sharing the lives of hundreds of children. Many of the parents and grant parents of those children still refer to her as “Ms. Judy”. She is a member of Clarksburg Baptist Church since 1979 and served with the Christian Ed. Board, Nursery Coordinator, American Baptist Women and in charge of Operation Christmas Shoe Box Ministry. She became a volunteer at the Lord’s Food Pantry from 2005 to the closing 2020 (15 yrs.) She and her husband were responsible for purchasing and picking up the food supplies from local retail stores and receiving USDA food supplies from Mt. Food Bank. They dedicated many hours weekly to ensure that the pantry shelves were stocked and coordinated Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and the extra food give ways. Judy is a thoughtful and caring person, often visiting the “shut-ins”. Her pride and joy is her family especially the grandchildren. She and her husband now attend Simpson Creek Baptist.
Lyda Ann Harrison Lister
Lyda was born in Lost Creek, WV in 1934. The daughter of Russell and Reba Harrison, her father was a butcher and her mother a cook at the local school. She had 4 brothers and 2 sisters. Lyda graduated from Lost Creek High School and married Paul Gene Lister from Nutter Fort, WV, just before he went into the Navy. She traveled with him to many bases before 
returning to WV. She and Paul have been married 71 years as of March 2023. She had 6 children during the 49 years of Paul's military career. She became a homemaker, but I wouldn't consider her just a stay-at-home mother. She sold Avon, Mary Kay, Tupperware, Stanley, Sarah Coventry, and Beeline Fashions at in home parties. She catered dinners for the Lions Club, several churches, Alumni dinners, and many others. She only stopped catering at the of 80 because her daughter and daughter-in-law made her. She has been involved in Volunteer Service for over 60 years in her church, community, school, and the Democratic Party. She supported Paul's campaign and his 2 terms in the WV House of Delegates. She was active in all her children's organizations and activities, fundraising, chaperoning, teaching, and mentoring. She cooked chili for their hot dog sales, took vanloads of kids on camping trips with the band, methodist youth, 4H and scouting. She shuttled band students and hosted students from Japan in her home. She went to parades with her husband's Drill Team, parades with her children's marching bands, was an active sports mom running concession stands for games and at the local pool, cooked for RW events and WI band camps, and she taught many children how to sew or cook. She was a member of the YWCA, Junior Women, Young Democrats, and was an officer in all of them for many years. She always took the responsibilities no one else wanted to handle. Lyda is still active in several organizations: GFWC of Clarksburg as Parliamentarian and several times former President, Vincent Memorial United Methodist Women of Faith in several different offices, CEOS Ladybugs, the Auxiliary of UHC, and the Democratic Women of Harrison County. She has been and still is a board member in several different capacities for over 40 years for the Land of Canaan Homeowners Association. She is an inspiration to her children and loved by all the youth that have been fed at her home and always made to feel welcome and loved. She is a humble woman, so she didn't want me to list all her organizations over the years, this is just a small part of her life. She inspires me daily with her strength, her unending faith in God, and her love of family, community, and country. At 88, she does more for the world than any woman I know. She is also my best friend.
returning to WV. She and Paul have been married 71 years as of March 2023. She had 6 children during the 49 years of Paul's military career. She became a homemaker, but I wouldn't consider her just a stay-at-home mother. She sold Avon, Mary Kay, Tupperware, Stanley, Sarah Coventry, and Beeline Fashions at in home parties. She catered dinners for the Lions Club, several churches, Alumni dinners, and many others. She only stopped catering at the of 80 because her daughter and daughter-in-law made her. She has been involved in Volunteer Service for over 60 years in her church, community, school, and the Democratic Party. She supported Paul's campaign and his 2 terms in the WV House of Delegates. She was active in all her children's organizations and activities, fundraising, chaperoning, teaching, and mentoring. She cooked chili for their hot dog sales, took vanloads of kids on camping trips with the band, methodist youth, 4H and scouting. She shuttled band students and hosted students from Japan in her home. She went to parades with her husband's Drill Team, parades with her children's marching bands, was an active sports mom running concession stands for games and at the local pool, cooked for RW events and WI band camps, and she taught many children how to sew or cook. She was a member of the YWCA, Junior Women, Young Democrats, and was an officer in all of them for many years. She always took the responsibilities no one else wanted to handle. Lyda is still active in several organizations: GFWC of Clarksburg as Parliamentarian and several times former President, Vincent Memorial United Methodist Women of Faith in several different offices, CEOS Ladybugs, the Auxiliary of UHC, and the Democratic Women of Harrison County. She has been and still is a board member in several different capacities for over 40 years for the Land of Canaan Homeowners Association. She is an inspiration to her children and loved by all the youth that have been fed at her home and always made to feel welcome and loved. She is a humble woman, so she didn't want me to list all her organizations over the years, this is just a small part of her life. She inspires me daily with her strength, her unending faith in God, and her love of family, community, and country. At 88, she does more for the world than any woman I know. She is also my best friend.
Tracy Miller
Tracy is the President of the Mid-Atlantic Aerospace Complex, MAAC, where she is an economic developer who markets and promotes the aerospace industry sector in North Central West Virginia. Tracy started her career as an educator in Charleston South Carolina. She moved back to WV and changed the trajectory of her life’s work to focus on economic development which she has been doing for over 26
years now. She worked in Charleston under four governors at the WV Department of Economic Development as a marketing representative to help grow and retain WV businesses. Tracy is active with many organizations including being a founding member of the Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance Mountain State Chapter. She was appointed by Governor Jim Justice as the first woman to serve on the WV Aeronautics Commission & also appointed by the Governor where she continues to serve on the WV Council for Community & Technical College Education. Tracy is also actively engaged and very supportive of the United Way. She was selected as a WV Wonder Woman, received the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce’s Volunteer of the Year Award, and Pierpont Community & Technical College’s ‘Pierpont Pride Award’. Most recently Tracy was appointed by then US Secretary Elain Chou to serve on the US Department of Transportation’s Women In Aviation Advisory Board to develop strategies surrounding the education, training, mentorship, outreach, and recruitment of women to the aviation industry. Tracy has an undergraduate degree in education from WVU and a master’s in educational administration from WV Graduate College and is a lifelong learner. Tracy is married to retired Park Ranger, now Harrison County School Bus Driver, Bruce Miller and has 3 bonus children who all live in the Washington DC area. Tracy enjoys camping, hiking, cross-country skiing, and is a passionate reader. Her favorite thing to do is spend time with family and friends at their camp in Lewisburg on the Greenbrier River. Tracy and Bruce currently reside in Bridgeport WV.
years now. She worked in Charleston under four governors at the WV Department of Economic Development as a marketing representative to help grow and retain WV businesses. Tracy is active with many organizations including being a founding member of the Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance Mountain State Chapter. She was appointed by Governor Jim Justice as the first woman to serve on the WV Aeronautics Commission & also appointed by the Governor where she continues to serve on the WV Council for Community & Technical College Education. Tracy is also actively engaged and very supportive of the United Way. She was selected as a WV Wonder Woman, received the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce’s Volunteer of the Year Award, and Pierpont Community & Technical College’s ‘Pierpont Pride Award’. Most recently Tracy was appointed by then US Secretary Elain Chou to serve on the US Department of Transportation’s Women In Aviation Advisory Board to develop strategies surrounding the education, training, mentorship, outreach, and recruitment of women to the aviation industry. Tracy has an undergraduate degree in education from WVU and a master’s in educational administration from WV Graduate College and is a lifelong learner. Tracy is married to retired Park Ranger, now Harrison County School Bus Driver, Bruce Miller and has 3 bonus children who all live in the Washington DC area. Tracy enjoys camping, hiking, cross-country skiing, and is a passionate reader. Her favorite thing to do is spend time with family and friends at their camp in Lewisburg on the Greenbrier River. Tracy and Bruce currently reside in Bridgeport WV.
Jaclyn Elsey Rominger
Jaclyn was born and raised in Harrison County. The daughter of Donna Elsey and the late Tom Elsey and the granddaughter of the late John and June Elsey. She currently reside with my husband of 15 years in Bridgeport with their two dachshunds, Luke Duke and Bo Duke.
Jaclyn graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1999 and WVU School of Dentistry in 2009. She is a practicing dentist and owner of Rominger Dental in White Oaks Business Development. Jaclyn was past President of the Clarksburg League for Service and currently serving on the boards for the Rotary Club of Bridgeport, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and Mountaineer Heroes of Honor am and currently on the community board for Clear Mountain Bank. She is also the current President of the Associated Businesses of Bridgeport and am most proud to serve as the Donations Chair for the Medbrook Children's Charity. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering, spending time with her dogs, and traveling and scuba diving with my husband, Johnnie Rominger. Jaclyn loves her community and has been so blessed over the years.
Jaclyn graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1999 and WVU School of Dentistry in 2009. She is a practicing dentist and owner of Rominger Dental in White Oaks Business Development. Jaclyn was past President of the Clarksburg League for Service and currently serving on the boards for the Rotary Club of Bridgeport, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and Mountaineer Heroes of Honor am and currently on the community board for Clear Mountain Bank. She is also the current President of the Associated Businesses of Bridgeport and am most proud to serve as the Donations Chair for the Medbrook Children's Charity. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering, spending time with her dogs, and traveling and scuba diving with my husband, Johnnie Rominger. Jaclyn loves her community and has been so blessed over the years.
Irene Koukoulis Sellas
Irene is a life-long resident of Bridgeport, where she and her husband Steve also raised their four children. After earning her degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from WVU, Irene went on to work for the Harrison County Board of Education for 34 years as a Speech Language Pathologist, during which time she also earned a Master’s degree from Salem International University. Irene has been a life-long member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Clarksburg and has always been involved in many aspects of the church. Over the years, she’s served as the youth 
advisor, overseeing many community service projects such as food drives, nursing homes visits, Salvation Army Angel Tree program contributions, pop tab collection for Ronald McDonald House, Souper Bowl of Caring luncheons, and many other projects. She helps organize and work the Greek Food Festival, which brings authentic Greek food to the community while also spreading the word of the Orthodox Christian faith. Currently, she is a Sunday School teacher, as well as president of the Ladies Philoptochos Society Chapter, a philanthropic organization. Irene serves on the Metropolis of Pittsburgh Philoptochos Board as chairman of the Operation Classroom committee, and she recently served on the National Philoptochos Board for 2 years. The St. Spyridon Philoptochos has been able to support local, state and national projects thanks in large part to the success of their Orders-Only Bake Sale held in the fall. Irene has organized and chaired the bake sale since it began 12 years ago. And she’s also one of the bakers. Locally, the Philoptochos contributes to Chemo Comfort Totes Showing Local Patients We Care, Friends Feeding Friends, Change Initiative, Phoenix House, North View Elementary, and Shepherds Corner, to name a few. Donations are also made to Mountaineer Food Bank and nationally to International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) whenever there is a large-scale national or international disaster. Irene states “I do none of this on my own—I may be the push or the shove for our projects but the ladies and the entire parish at St. Spyridon jump right in with 100% support and help of all projects.
advisor, overseeing many community service projects such as food drives, nursing homes visits, Salvation Army Angel Tree program contributions, pop tab collection for Ronald McDonald House, Souper Bowl of Caring luncheons, and many other projects. She helps organize and work the Greek Food Festival, which brings authentic Greek food to the community while also spreading the word of the Orthodox Christian faith. Currently, she is a Sunday School teacher, as well as president of the Ladies Philoptochos Society Chapter, a philanthropic organization. Irene serves on the Metropolis of Pittsburgh Philoptochos Board as chairman of the Operation Classroom committee, and she recently served on the National Philoptochos Board for 2 years. The St. Spyridon Philoptochos has been able to support local, state and national projects thanks in large part to the success of their Orders-Only Bake Sale held in the fall. Irene has organized and chaired the bake sale since it began 12 years ago. And she’s also one of the bakers. Locally, the Philoptochos contributes to Chemo Comfort Totes Showing Local Patients We Care, Friends Feeding Friends, Change Initiative, Phoenix House, North View Elementary, and Shepherds Corner, to name a few. Donations are also made to Mountaineer Food Bank and nationally to International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) whenever there is a large-scale national or international disaster. Irene states “I do none of this on my own—I may be the push or the shove for our projects but the ladies and the entire parish at St. Spyridon jump right in with 100% support and help of all projects.
We are a small Orthodox Christian church working together as a family and a team.”
Donetta Ortenzio Talkington
Her life verse is Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is the power of God at work, saving everyone 
who believes.” Donetta Talkington Ortenzio was born in Clarksburg and graduated from Roosevelt-Wilson High School. She graduated with her RN degree from Edison State College in Ft Myers Florida. She worked as a Critical Care Nurse with 32 years of service and recently retired from United Hospital Center.Thirteen years ago she assumed a role of leadership at Celebrate Recovery at Clarksburg Baptist Church. There she serves on the worship team, teaches 12 Step lessons, leads a Small Group, serves as a Women’s Sponsor to many ladies and leads Step Studies helping present the Good News. Donetta also serves as the TEAM Encourager Coach. In this ministry she and her husband, Lou travel the country presenting hope to those with Hurts, Habits and Hang-ups.
who believes.” Donetta Talkington Ortenzio was born in Clarksburg and graduated from Roosevelt-Wilson High School. She graduated with her RN degree from Edison State College in Ft Myers Florida. She worked as a Critical Care Nurse with 32 years of service and recently retired from United Hospital Center.Thirteen years ago she assumed a role of leadership at Celebrate Recovery at Clarksburg Baptist Church. There she serves on the worship team, teaches 12 Step lessons, leads a Small Group, serves as a Women’s Sponsor to many ladies and leads Step Studies helping present the Good News. Donetta also serves as the TEAM Encourager Coach. In this ministry she and her husband, Lou travel the country presenting hope to those with Hurts, Habits and Hang-ups.
This dynamic Christian also leads a weekly Bible Study at the Clarksburg Mission’s Women’s Sober Living Home.Donetta has been a leader in the NCWV Emmaus Community which is a Christian retreat community raising up leaders in the church. Born into the Congregational Missionary Church in Stonewood she has now been a member of Clarksburg Baptist Church for many years. Donetta and Lou have been married for 20 years and reside in Clarksburg.
She was the person who presented salvation to Lou and is thus responsible for a lot of Kingdom work. She is a mother of 3 children: Sal (Emily), Jocelyn and Troy Bombardiere. She is the grandmother of 6: Isaiah, Isaac, Kinsley, Kallie, Abby, and Mac.
Kathy Wagner
Kathy has led the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce since 1999. She previously served the Marion County Chamber of Commerce for more than ten years. Kathy graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mountain State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership, Management and Development. In addition to over 34 years in Chamber experience, Kathy was awarded the IOM graduate recognition after completing the US Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management in 2000. She has also participated in economic development training through the Council for Urban Economic Development, completed Leadership West Virginia
in 2003, and completed the three-year Community Development Institute East program 2006. She earned her Professional Community & Economic Developer (PCED) certification in 2006 through the national Community Development Council and has successfully recertified every three years since. As Chamber President, Kathy is a member of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, is a member and past President of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Executives, is a member of the West Virginia Economic Development Council and serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors of both the Harrison County Economic Alliance and the Harrison County Economic Development Corporations. She is also the Secretary/Treasurer of the I-79 Development Council. She is serving her sixth appointment on the Region VI Workforce Development Board and is a Past Chair. Kathy is also a registered Lobbyist for the Chamber. In addition to her professional affiliations, Kathy serves on several community boards. She is serving her second term on the United Hospital Center Board of Directors and is their Board Secretary. She is currently serving on the Board of Trustees of St. Joseph’s Hospital and the United Physicians Care, all three are part of the WVU Medicine system. She has served on the HOPE Inc. Task Force on Domestic Violence Board of Directors and was their Chair 2014-2017. She was presented the Fahey Award in 2017 for her service to HOPE Inc. Kathy was also named a West Virginia Wonder Woman in 2016 by WV Living Magazine. She was elected to the Fairmont Federal Credit Union Board of Directors in 2022 after serving as an Associate Director 2019-2022. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, history, genealogy, Sudoku, crochet, and her cats. She is a native of North Central West Virginia and lives in Bridgeport with her sister Carla and niece Stephanie.
in 2003, and completed the three-year Community Development Institute East program 2006. She earned her Professional Community & Economic Developer (PCED) certification in 2006 through the national Community Development Council and has successfully recertified every three years since. As Chamber President, Kathy is a member of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, is a member and past President of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Executives, is a member of the West Virginia Economic Development Council and serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors of both the Harrison County Economic Alliance and the Harrison County Economic Development Corporations. She is also the Secretary/Treasurer of the I-79 Development Council. She is serving her sixth appointment on the Region VI Workforce Development Board and is a Past Chair. Kathy is also a registered Lobbyist for the Chamber. In addition to her professional affiliations, Kathy serves on several community boards. She is serving her second term on the United Hospital Center Board of Directors and is their Board Secretary. She is currently serving on the Board of Trustees of St. Joseph’s Hospital and the United Physicians Care, all three are part of the WVU Medicine system. She has served on the HOPE Inc. Task Force on Domestic Violence Board of Directors and was their Chair 2014-2017. She was presented the Fahey Award in 2017 for her service to HOPE Inc. Kathy was also named a West Virginia Wonder Woman in 2016 by WV Living Magazine. She was elected to the Fairmont Federal Credit Union Board of Directors in 2022 after serving as an Associate Director 2019-2022. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, history, genealogy, Sudoku, crochet, and her cats. She is a native of North Central West Virginia and lives in Bridgeport with her sister Carla and niece Stephanie.