"Having been born, raised, educated and worked my entire life in West Virginia, I thought I knew my home state. Leadership West Virginia gave me new insights and a deeper understanding of the problems that really need to be addressed before West Virginia can grow and prosper. Leadership is a positive force to promote growth and change for our future, and a network in which I can be a part of some solutions."

Allen L. Toothman ('94) Retired

"I have told several people there are certain things in your life that you reference time by such as Graduating College, starting a business, marriage, the birth of a child or the death of a loved one.  For me LWV is one of those.  2008 will be referenced for the rest of my life as the year I did LWV."

Brian Allman ('08) Allman Insurance Services Inc.

"Leadership West Virginia has shown itself to be an enormous force in helping forge a better West Virginia. This vital program is a thought-provoking experience for its participants, offering them an unprecedented opportunity to explore the Mountain State’s resources, needs and opportunities. It’s like getting a Ph.D. in what it means to be a leader in West Virginia. All of us at RCBI are proud to have been part of the program’s success."

Charlotte Weber ('95)
Director and CEO, Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing, Huntington

"Leadership West Virginia was a wonderful experience that I will always remember.  Interesting and well-informed speakers presented both sides of timely "hot" issues which encouraged healthy debate among our class of emerging leaders from around the state.  Many of the topics discussed and participants involved would not have otherwise been made known to me."

David McKinley (’02)
President and managing director, McKinley Carter Wealth Services, Wheeling

"We didn't just talk about the subject, we experienced it. For me it was truly learning in the adult sense of the word."

David P. Bell, PhD ('95)
D.P. Associates -Vienna

As a native West Virginian, I have thoroughly benefitted from being part of one of the early Leadership WV classes. The insights and information gained during our planned activities continue to provide information and understanding of our great state that would not have been possible otherwise. This "education" has served me well to help others also appreciate the beauty and opportunities in West Virginia."

Dr. Cassandra B. Whyte '92/Vice President for Administrative Services, WV State University

"Leadership West Virginia was a pivotal experience in my leadership development.  Meeting people from throughout West Virginia gave me a wealth of contacts, not to mention friends.  I can hardly think of a better way to experience West Virginia and be a part of the ‘solution.’"

Jim Hunt (’93)
President of the National League of Cities

"I was given the opportunity to become involved with Leadership West Virginia through Marshall University in 2003. It was and has been a membership that I have cherished from day one and has opened a lot of doors for me throughout the state in many diverse areas. As a non West Virginian it also allowed me a chance to learn a great deal about the pride and history of this great state and the people who are so passionate to move the state forward. Anything that I can do to assist Leadership West Virginia and the people that it serves, I will go the extra mile."

Lance West (’03)
Vice President, Major Gifts, Marshall University, Huntington

"Leadership West Virginia affords class members an unparalleled opportunity to obtain a first-hand understanding of the multifaceted forces making West Virginia tick."

Lannes C. Williamson ('93)
President, Lannes Williamson Pallets, Inc. Point Pleasant

"In my 38 years of involvement in Chamber programs, Leadership West Virginia is the most rewarding program I've ever worked on."

Maggie Poling ('95-Honorary)
Vice President, West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Charleston

"I was relatively new to West Virginia when I was selected to attend Leadership West Virginia. By virtue of my participation I became more active in the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce and eventually became chairman of the WV Chamber. I found that many of the up and coming leaders of the state are or were LWV participants. This makes sense when you consider the quality of training that one receives in the program."

Nick Carter (’93)
President and COO, Natural Resource Partners, Huntington

"The Leadership West Virginia program proved to be a valuable tool for my organization in helping connect the dots to important relationships and funding opportunities that can help advance our mission."

Sally Bushong Barton (’05)
Executive Director, Tamarack Foundation, Charleston

"Excellent program! The interaction with people from all over the state, with differing points of view created some eye-opening experiences. The personal contacts that I now have all over the state will be invaluable in work and public service."

Samuel J. Cann ('95)
West Virginia House of Delegates, Jane Lew

"Chesapeake Energy is excited about increasing its investment in Leadership West Virginia because we see tremendous potential for it to produce valuable leadership resources for our state. Educating new leaders about our state’s issues and challenges and inspiring them to work toward solutions and new opportunities are critical for our state’s future."

Scott Rotruck ('95)
VP of Corporate Development, Chesapeake Energy Corp., Charleston

"I gained a broad-based knowledge of the state that was enhanced by the backgrounds, experiences and expertise of classmates and speakers. The issues presented have let me take a more active role in the legislative process."

Sue D. Day-Perroots ('95)
Director of Extended Learning, West Virginia University, Morgantown