Generation West Virginia (GWV), the statewide organization dedicated to equipping young West Virginians with the key skills and career opportunities they need to thrive in the Mountain State, proudly announces the GWV Fellowship Class of 2025. The GWV Fellowship is a leadership development training program for promising young professionals in West Virginia.
The Class of 2025 features a diverse group of young professionals from 14 counties across the state. Their backgrounds span a variety of industries, including healthcare, education, nonprofit, technology, and law. Selected through a rigorous process, these emerging leaders stand ready to develop their skills, forge meaningful connections, and contribute to the ongoing growth of the workforce in West Virginia.
Over the course of the year, Fellows will attend nine sessions, including five in-person and four virtual, where they will learn from industry leaders while honing a valuable skill set that will accelerate their professional track and empower them to grow within their industries.
“The GWV Fellowship is a powerful tool for retaining and growing talent in our state,” said Alex Weld, executive director of Generation West Virginia. “This year’s cohort brings energy, vision, and commitment to building their careers here in West Virginia, and we’re proud to support them every step of the way.”
This program of GWV was created to prioritize retaining and developing young talent within West Virginia. Data shows that most young adults are looking for professional development opportunities. As West Virginia has lost more than 68,000 college graduates within the last decade, Generation West Virginia recognized the need to provide pathways to success for young professionals. By offering a structured leadership development program like the GWV Fellowship, Generation West Virginia aims to address this challenge. The outcomes speak volumes: 100% of participants in the previous Fellowship class reported significant growth in their professional network, relevant skills, and meaningful connections within West Virginia.
“Welcoming the Class of 2025 is a reminder of how many young West Virginians are thinking deeply about their future — and choosing to invest in themselves and their communities,” said Melanie Taylor, Career Development Director at Generation West Virginia. “This class reflects the diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and dreams shaping the future of our state.”
The GWV Fellowship Class of 2025 includes:
- Jenny Brumfield, Financial Planning & Analysis Manager, Coalfield Development Corporation
- Hannah Chenoweth, Quality Management Administrative Specialist, WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital
- Jessica Clark, Executive Coordinator, Coalfield Development Corporation
- Kristen Cosner, Director of Communications for Academic Support and Services, West Virginia University Office of the Provost
- Steven Curry, Associate Planner, City of Huntington
- Abbigail Davis, Compass Program Director, City of Huntington
- Sarah Fox, Administrative Liaison, Huntington Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Catherine Gooding, Economic Development Specialist, WV Brownfields Assistance Center at Marshall University
- Brady Hillegas, Associate Engineer, Allegheny Design Services
- Blake Heslop, Field Operator I, Expand Energy Corporation
- Zane Hornbeck-Buseman, Program Officer, West Virginia Land Stewardship Corporation
- Taylor Hobbs, Case Manager, Williamson Health and Wellness Center Behavioral Medicine Clinic
- Cody Justice, Director, Mingo Family Support Center
- DJ Kaylor, Production Foreman, Expand Energy Corporation
- Emily LeMaster, Mechanical Designer, ZMM Architects and Engineers
- Samuel Lusk, Economic Development Director, City of Princeton
- Angela Maxwell, Architect, Edward Tucker Architects
- Mariah Melanko, Vice President & Senior Trust Officer, Wesbanco Retirement Plan Services
- Shakita Micek, CEO and President of MD Formula, LLC
- Kansas Moore, Assistant Director, Hatfield McCoy Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Lucas Morgan, Manager of Rehabilitation Services, WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital
- Andrea Newlon, Structural Engineer, Pickering Associates
- Gwennan Richmond, Preservation Trades Program Manager, Stewards Individual Placements
- Parker Surface, Business Analyst and Project Manager, WVU Medicine
- Aimee Setchell, Special Programs Coordinator, The Fairmont-Morgantown Housing Authority
- Sean Thomas, Associate, Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP
- Joe Westwright, Software Engineer, Google
- Tucker Williams, Campus Ambassador, Marshall University
- Colton Young, Director of Revenue Cycle Operations, Vandalia Health/Grafton City Hospital
The GWV Fellowship Class of 2025 will begin sessions in May. The program is supported by EQT Corporation, Huntington Bank, the Benedum Foundation, and the Just Transition Fund. For more information on the program or Class of 2025, visit generationwv.org/fellowship.
About Generation West Virginia:
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.
