GWV 2024 Fellowship Class Includes Braxton Native

Generation West Virginia Celebrates the Graduation of the 2024 Fellowship Class, Empowering Young Leaders Across the State Generation West Virginia (GWV) has announced the graduation of the GWV Fellowship Class of 2024 that took place on December 7 in a ceremony held in Charleston. The elite group included a Braxton County native.
“This leadership development training program for young professionals gave Fellows the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals across West Virginia, from the Northern Panhandle down to the Southern Coalfields,” explained an organizer.
The GWV Fellowship, known for its commitment to cultivating leadership in young professionals across various industries, has successfully equipped Fellows with the skills, knowledge, and community support essential for building fulfilling lives and advancing their careers within the state.
One of the program’s participants is Braxton County native, Dustin Crutchfield. He currently serves as the Director of Alumni Relations at Glenville State University and says he was excited to be selected for the Class of 2024.
“The last nine months of being in the Generation West Virginia Fellowship program have been both interesting and rewarding,” Crutchfield said. “I’ve learned a lot about leadership, community-building, and the ways that West Virginians are helping one another. Seeing different parts of the state during our cohort sessions has been a ton of fun and, I think, has really helped solidify why so many of us choose to stay in the Mountain State. I’m grateful to have been selected for the GWV Fellowship and am even more thankful for my new friends – the other members of the Class of 2024.”
In addition to Crutchfield the GWV Fellowship Class of 2024 consisted of:
● Ashley Fletcher, Hico America, Turnkey Project Manager
● Ashley Swanson, Millennium Industrial Services, Employee Success & Recruiting Manager
● Benjamin Morse, KEMRON Environmental Services, Staff Geologist
● Caroline Auvil, Big Picture Learning, Project Accountant/Grants Manager
● Christopher Mancuso, Pickering Associates, Architect
● Courtney Luckasevic, Mon Health System, Human Resources
● David Kirk, City of Fairmont, Communications Manager
● Jamie Maynard, The Housing Authority of the City of Williamson
● Jason Markle, inspectionGo, Software Engineer
● Jonathan Smearman, Pickering Associates, Process Engineer and Design Manager
● Jordan Fanelli, Fanelli Boys Enterprises
● Kaitlyn Helsel, Williamson Health & Wellness Center, Inc., Master’s Level Therapist
● Kennedy Snider, Peoples Federal Credit Union, Marketing Specialist
● Kyle Johnson, WVU Medicine – Reynolds Memorial Hospital, Supervisor of Imaging Services
● Lara Sedlock-Tackett, Logan Regional Medical Center, Marketing & Communications
● Lauren Vega, SONIFI Solutions, Branding & Configurations Manager/BDY Studios, Director of Marketing & Community Outreach
● Mackenzie New Walker, West Virginia Mine Wars Museum, Executive Director
● Maria Miller-Blatt, EQT Corporation, Senior Accounting Analyst
● Marion Emerson, Lehigh University, Contract & Grant Coordinator
● Mary Claire Ickes-Warden, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Graphic Designer and Social Media Strategist
● Michael Backus, NASA IV&V, Artemis Gateway IV&V Deputy Project Manager & Innovation Lead
● Michelle Goodman, United Way of the River Cities, Director of Marketing & Communications
● Noah Porter, Core10/Monarch, Implementation Consultant
● Rachael Fortune, WV Chamber Foundation
● Rebekah Call, WVU Medicine, Strategic Planning Specialist
● Scotty Stone, Goodwill Industries of the Summit, Southern Programs Manager
● Shannon Stephens, City of Huntington Development Department, HOME Project Manager
● Tiara Brown, Kanawha County
“Generation West Virginia is proud to have played a role in these graduates’ professional growth and looks forward to seeing the positive impact they will make on the state’s future,” said GWV Program Director Melanie Taylor. “Employers are encouraged to consider sponsoring their young professionals for the GWV Fellowship, contributing to their growth and the development of a vibrant workforce in the state.”
This program not only creates a network of young leaders but also contributes to the retention of young talent, enriching the state’s workforce and community. “Sponsoring David in the GWV Fellowship has been one of the best investments we’ve made in our team,” said Fairmont City Manager Travis Blosser. “Through the program’s leadership development and hands-on learning opportunities, David has gained valuable skills, grown his confidence, and brought fresh ideas and a renewed energy to his role at the City of Fairmont.”
Applications for the Class of 2025 will open December 16, 2024. For more information about the GWV Fellowship, visit generationwv.org/fellowship. Generation West Virginia equips young West Virginians with key skills and career opportunities, ensuring their ability to thrive in the Mountain State. By connecting young adults with resources, opportunities, and each other through their workforce development initiatives, GWV is committed to building a stronger, more prosperous West Virginia for generations to come. To learn more, visit www.generationwv.org.