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OUR STAFF
& BOARD

Our team is made up of passionate, purpose-driven people who believe in the power of homegrown talent to shape the state’s future. From the mountains to the main streets, we’re connectors, builders, and believers—working every day to help young West Virginians find opportunity, community, and purpose right here in the Mountain State.

Alex Weld

  • Executive Director

As Executive Director, Alex is focused on expanding Generation WV’s impact through strategic partnerships with government, businesses, and other nonprofits. She is particularly committed to driving initiatives that help young professionals develop the skills necessary for the modern workforce. Before joining Generation WV, Alex served as the Executive Director of the Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation (Wheeling Heritage), where she led preservation and revitalization efforts in the region.

Alex currently resides in her hometown of Wellsburg, where she remains deeply engaged in local leadership. She serves on the West Virginia Workforce Development Board, the board of the Regional Economic Development Partnership (RED), and is the chair of the Wellsburg Urban Renewal Authority.

Our Staff

Our Board

Candace Nelson, Marketing & Communications at Capitol Market, Chair

Jay Williams, Financial Strategist at McKinley Carter Wealth Services, Treasurer and Vice

Kel Cecil, Founder / Software Engineer at Readyfuels, Secretary

Christina Dalton, Vice President of Finance at Solar Holler

Brian Dayton, Vice President of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce

Jade Irving, Senior Project Officer for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

Jessica Moore, Associate Vice President / Foundation & Community Relations for WVU Medicine

Valerie Piko, Program Development Manager at the Regional Economic Development Partnership (RED)

Ben Ashley, VP / CFO at Ashley Insurance

Durand Warren, Director of Behavioral Medicine at Williamson Health & Wellness Center

Anna Adkins, Director of Sales & Marketing at the Huntington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Shelly Hussell, Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Huntington Bank

Crescent Gallagher, Senior Advisor to the West Virginia Treasurer’s Office

Liz Vitullo, Assistant Vice President for Economic Innovation at West Virginia University

Ryan Thorn, Associate Vice President for External Affairs and Strategic Partnerships at West Virginia Wesleyan College

Bill Bissett, Director of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association

Join Our Team

Executive Director – Generation West Virginia

Generation West Virginia is looking for its next Executive Director to build on the nonprofit’s strong foundation and lead it into its next phase of strategic growth. This includes scaling workforce programs, diversifying revenue, and deepening public and private partnerships.

About Generation West Virginia

Generation West Virginia is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to equipping West Virginians with key skills and career opportunities, ensuring their ability to thrive in the Mountain State. Over the last decade, GWV has evolved from a grassroots startup into an established statewide leader in workforce, community, and talent development.

Key Responsibilities

Vision & Strategy

  • Lead the organization in executing, evolving, and measuring the success of its mission and long-term strategic vision.
  • Represent GWV as a thought leader and trusted partner in statewide workforce and economic development conversations.
  • Ensure programs and partnerships align with GWV’s goals and reflect the evolving needs of young West Virginians and employers.
  • Work closely with the Board and staff to set measurable goals and translate vision into results.

Partnerships & Advocacy

  • Serve as GWV’s primary spokesperson and ambassador, building strong relationships with employers, educational institutions, community leaders, and policymakers.
  • Advocate for policies and systems that expand opportunity for young West Virginians.
  • Partner with local and state leaders to align workforce development strategies with emerging economic needs.
  • Elevate the voices and experiences of young West Virginians through data-driven storytelling and public engagement.

Organizational Leadership & Culture

  • Empower and support a talented, high-performing team through inclusive leadership and strong internal communication.
  • Foster a culture that models GWV’s values: collaboration, curiosity, and commitment.
  • Oversee operational systems, staffing, and infrastructure that ensure organizational health and sustainability.
  • Partner with the Director of Operations on budgeting, HR, and performance management.

Fund Development & Financial Stewardship

  • Oversee GWV’s financial sustainability, including strategic budgeting and transparent financial management.
  • Partner with the Director of Development to develop a comprehensive fund development strategy that includes grants, individual giving, corporate partnerships, and earned revenue opportunities.
  • Ensure compliance and timely reporting for all grants and contracts.

Board Engagement & Governance

  • Collaborate closely with the Board of Directors to ensure effective governance and strategic alignment.
  • Provide transparent reporting on organizational performance, finances, and progress toward goals.
  • Partner with the Board Chair and committees to recruit, orient, and engage board members.

Job requirements:

  • Minimum of 5–7 years of senior leadership experience in the nonprofit, public, or related sector; experience as an Executive Director, Deputy Director, or comparable role strongly preferred.
  • Proven experience managing budgets of $1 million or more and ensuring strong financial stewardship.
  • Track record of fund development and revenue generation, including securing and managing grants, cultivating donor relationships, and building corporate or foundation partnerships.
  • Experience working with boards of directors, including governance best practices and strategic alignment.
  • Familiarity with workforce development, education, or economic development.
  • Comfort navigating change and leading an organization through periods of growth, evolution, or transition.

Compensation and where you will work:

The starting salary for this role is $85,000-95,000. GWV provides a competitive salary and a benefits package including, but not limited to, dental, vision, and health insurance, paid parental leave (including adoption), and flexible paid time off.

As a statewide organization, we have staff located all across the state, and our day-to-day operations run remotely. This position must be done remotely, somewhere in West Virginia. Travel required approximately 20–30% of the time, including regular in-state travel throughout West Virginia and occasional travel to national conferences and events.

Apply

Apply at this LINK, where you will be prompted to submit your contact information, a cover letter, and your resume. Applications will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2025.

Apply here

GENERATION WEST VIRGINIA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. GENERATION WEST VIRGINIA PROVIDES EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL EMPLOYEES, TRAINEES, AND PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS AND APPLICANTS FOR EMPLOYMENT, TRAINING, OR PROGRAMS. GENERATION WEST VIRGINIA PROHIBITS DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT OF ANY TYPE WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, AGE, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY STATUS, GENETICS, PROTECTED VETERAN STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, OR ANY OTHER CHARACTERISTIC PROTECTED BY FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL LAWS.