Generation West Virginia (GWV) is proud to announce the graduation of the GWV Fellowship Class of 2024 that took place on December 7 in a ceremony held in Charleston. 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.
The GWV Fellowship, known for its commitment to cultivating leadership in young professionals across various industries, has successfully equipped these 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 Lara Sedlock-Tackett, a Marketing and Communications Coordinator for Logan Regional Medical Center. Lara was thrilled to be selected for the Class of 2024, seeing it as an opportunity to hone skills she could apply to her current role.
“My time in the Generation West Virginia Fellowship program has been transformative, both personally and professionally. Being surrounded by a diverse group of passionate individuals from across the state has broadened my perspective and deepened my commitment to making a positive impact in West Virginia,” Lara said.
The GWV Fellowship Class of 2024:
- 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
- Dustin Crutchfield, Glenville State University, Director of Alumni Relations
- 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 Career Development 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.