Generation West Virginia’s Pathways to Progress: Building Careers, Communities, and Opportunity in West Virginia convenes employers, educators, policymakers, funders, and community leaders to explore one central question:
How do we create meaningful career pathways that allow young West Virginians to live, work, and thrive here—now and into the future?
This interactive, solutions-focused event blends data, practitioner insight, and cross-sector collaboration to explore the ideas and partnerships shaping West Virginia’s workforce future.
The day begins with a welcome from Jade Irving, PhD (West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission & GWV Board Member) alongside Generation West Virginia leadership and a sponsor welcome, setting the stage for a day of collaboration and action.
A fast-paced look at Generation West Virginia’s programs and impact, featuring story-driven highlights from individuals and partners who are helping employers find talent, retain young professionals, and build long-term workforce pipelines.
Data That Matters: What Community College Outcomes Tell Us About WV’s Workforce
Andy Bauer, Vice President & Regional Executive of Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond – Baltimore Branch, shares insights from the Survey of West Virginia Community College Outcomes and what the data reveals about the role of community colleges in strengthening the state’s workforce.
Moderated by Brandon Dennison, Marshall University.
Employer Solutions Lab: Building a Stronger Business Model Through Strategic Partnerships
Industry experts share practical ways employers can leverage partnerships to strengthen operations, reduce risk, and focus on growth. Featuring leaders from AscendHR, 100 Degrees Consulting, Steptoe & Johnson, Selas Marketing, and Generation West Virginia Recruiting.
Morgan O’Brien, CEO of Hope Gas, will share insights on leadership, economic opportunity, and the role of industry in shaping West Virginia’s workforce future.
A facilitated conversation exploring the real factors influencing whether young people stay, return, or leave West Virginia—including housing, childcare, healthcare access, wages, broadband, and community policies. Participants will collaborate in small groups to generate ideas and share solutions.
Tech Talk: Innovation Shaping the Future of Work in West Virginia
Leaders from Microsoft TechSPARK, policy experts, healthcare innovators, and technology partners explore how emerging technology, AI, telehealth, and digital infrastructure are transforming workforce access and opportunity.
Facilitated by Ariana Shives, Tech Connect WV.
The Power of Connection in Rural Places
A discussion on how broadband access supports workforce participation, entrepreneurship, remote work, healthcare access, and long-term economic resilience in rural communities.
Moderated by Annie Stroud, Generation West Virginia Broadband Program Director.
The day concludes with a reflection on key takeaways and a call to action—highlighting how attendees can stay engaged with Generation West Virginia’s work to strengthen career pathways across the state.
Participants are invited to stay for a post-conference networking reception, continuing conversations and building partnerships that support West Virginia’s future workforce.
Engage directly with industry leaders, workforce experts, policymakers, and young professionals who are driving change across West Virginia. Your sponsorship puts you in front of 5,000+ business leaders, elected officials, and changemakers through our multi-channel marketing efforts.
Show that your organization is invested in solving West Virginia’s most critical workforce challenges. From talent retention to emerging trends in healthcare, energy, technology, and education—this conference tackles the issues that matter most to our state’s future.
Gain prominent visibility through conference signage, our event website, email communications, social media campaigns, and recognition during the event. Your support will be seen by the people who matter most to your business.
Connect with key stakeholders across multiple sectors and discover collaboration opportunities that extend far beyond conference day. This is where relationships are forged and solutions are born.
Whether you’re looking to position your company as a thought leader through panel participation, maximize your visibility with premier exhibitor space, or simply show your support for West Virginia’s workforce—we have a sponsorship package designed for you.
Help us build a network of changemakers and create actionable solutions for West Virginia’s workforce challenges. Your sponsorship makes this vital gathering possible.
Contact Jennifer Taylor, Director of Development
Email: jennifer@generationwv.org
8:15 – 9:00 Registration
9:15 – 10:00 Welcome Address from GWV Executive Director, Alex Weld and Max Knapp, Wing 2 Wing Foundation
West Virginia offers a variety of funding opportunities to help businesses offset hiring and training costs. In this panel, experts from Marshall University, West Virginia Community and Technical College System, and WV Secretary of Commerce Dr. Matthew Herridge, will break down available incentives, including funding for apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and education grants. Gain practical insights on how to tap into these funding sources to build a skilled and sustainable workforce.
Moderator: Dr. Brandon Dennison, Vice President for Workforce and Economic Development at Marshall University and Founder of Coalfield Development
Brandon Dennison holds degrees from Shepherd University (B.A.), Indiana University (M.P.A.), and West Virginia University (Ph.D.). Dennison is a JMK Social Innovation Prize winner, DRK Entrepreneur, Ashoka Fellow, and 2019 Heinz Award recipient. He is married to Ashley Dennison and father to Owen and Will.
Dr. Matthew Herridge, WV Secretary of Commerce
Dr. Matthew Herridge is a business owner and currently serves as the WV GOP Chairman. After entering the business world in 2005 following a 10-year career in Clinical Psychology at the Charleston Area Medical Center and as a member of the WVU School of Medicine clinical faculty, he grew a family restaurant portfolio as well as a software development company creating solutions for the restaurant industry. Matthew currently lives in West Virginia and has been a lifelong resident of the state.
Dr. Chris Treadway, Vice Chancellor for Community and Technical College Education
Dr. Chris Treadway serves as the Vice Chancellor for the West Virginia Community and Technical College System where he is responsible for the vision and leadership of Council initiatives in the areas of program development, workforce development, technology innovation, program recruitment and retention, grant management, and the delivery of community and technical college education. In his previous position, Dr. Treadway led the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s Division of Policy and Planning, where he oversaw the development of Explorer, the agency’s interactive data portal, and led the effort to create West Virginia’s new statewide higher education funding formula.
Across West Virginia, organizations are rethinking how to attract, train, and retain talent in the face of ongoing workforce challenges. This panel brings together leaders from healthcare, energy, higher education, and innovation to explore bold, forward-thinking strategies that are reshaping the talent pipeline. Attendees will leave with fresh ideas, practical examples, and new perspectives on how to strengthen their own workforce efforts—whether through education, entrepreneurship, community investment, or workplace innovation.
Moderator: Dr. Jessica Huffman, DNP, RN, CENP; Assistant Vice President of System Nursing Services at WVU Medicine
With over 25 years of passion for healthcare, Jessica’s journey began in middle school through an Explorer’s Club at a Parkersburg, WV hospital, followed by a Medical Skills program in high school. She earned an associate degree in nursing from WVU Parkersburg before advancing her education with a BSN from Ohio University and both an MSN in Nursing Administration and a DNP in Population Health Leadership from Xavier University. She is board certified in executive nursing practice and serves on the board of directors for the WV Organization for Nursing Leadership.
Dr. Tanya Rogers, Clinical Education Professor, School of Nursing, WVU Medicine
Tanya Rogers is a seasoned nurse, educator, and administrator with over 28 years in nursing, 23 years in education, and 13 years in leadership. A Marion County native, she earned her nursing degree from Fairmont State University, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing Education (2004) and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership (2009) from WVU.
In 2023, she became Assistant Vice President for Nursing Education at WVU Medicine, where she is leading efforts to establish a new nursing school and hospital-based nursing program.
Dr. Danny Twilley, Assistant Vice President of Economic, Community and Asset Development for the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative
Dr. Danny Twilley focuses on leveraging the state’s outdoor recreation assets to drive economic growth, talent retention, and community development. Prior to WVU, he spent 13 years as a faculty member at Ohio University, leading programs in recreation, ecotourism, and outdoor education. With experience at organizations like Outward Bound and the Appalachian Mountain Club, Danny is dedicated to using outdoor recreation to enhance communities and quality of life in West Virginia.
Morgan O’Brien, President and CEO, Hope Gas
Morgan K. O’Brien is Hope Gas’s and Hope Utilities’ Chief Executive Officer. He is a native Pittsburgher who was raised by a blue-collar Irish-Catholic family to value all people and all forms of work. His work ethic and value of other people helped him rise to become CEO at Duquesne Light Company the electric provider for Western Pennsylvania. He later moved over to become the CEO at Peoples Gas serving Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Kentucky.
David Ramsburg, Director Regional Operations & Strategic Partnerships, LG NOVA
David started his technology career by having to move away from West Virginia after receiving no job interviews in the state upon graduation from WVU. With extensive experience in small technology companies and startups, he was able to return home in 2005. Since that time David’s passion has been to change the odds for West Virginia technology graduates and to help future generations live and thrive here if they choose. Over the last few years, he helped establish several entrepreneurship and innovation centers, including two at the University of Charleston, as well as the WVU LaunchLab. He currently leads the LG NOVA Morgantown office and is working diligently to create a sustainable pipeline of high-tech jobs in the mountain state.
12:00 – 12:45 Lunch
West Virginia’s future is being shaped by the bold ideas and hard work of its rising leaders. This dynamic panel will highlight young professionals who are making a significant impact in their communities and industries across the state. From innovative workforce initiatives to groundbreaking projects in business, health, and technology, these changemakers are proving that success and progress start right here at home.
Join us as they share their stories, insights, and visions for the future. Gain valuable perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing young professionals in West Virginia, and be inspired by the passion and innovation driving our state forward. Whether you’re an emerging leader, an employer looking to attract and retain talent, or a community advocate, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss!
Moderator: Melanie Taylor, GWV Career Development Program Director
As the Career Development Program Director at Generation WV, Melanie oversees two cornerstone workforce programs: the Fellowship Program and the Career Connector Program. She develops and implements a leadership development curriculum for fellows, empowering young professionals to enhance their skills and build strong community connections. Melanie provides strategic oversight to the Career Connector Program, fostering partnerships with employers across the state and bridging gaps between job seekers and open positions.
Presentations by:
Megan Bishop, Williamson Health and Wellness
Megan Bishop is the Assistant Director of the Behavioral Medicine Clinic at Williamson Health and Wellness Center and a Licensed Professional Counselor. She holds dual Master’s degrees in Education (with a focus on mental health) and Business Administration, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Executive Leadership at the University of Charleston. Her research centers on trauma-informed leadership and how personal trauma influences executive decision-making and organizational dynamics.
Megan’s journey from frontline staff to executive leadership brings a unique, empathetic perspective to behavioral health care.
Jason Markle, InspectionGo
Jason Markle is an experienced product manager, user experience designer, software engineer, and entrepreneur with 15 years of experience building digital products. He’s currently a tech lead and software engineer at InspectionGo, a company focused on building digital products for home owners with their home inspector partners. Jason has also worked at West Virginia University where he helped to implement website accessibility and compliance standards. He is a graduate of the 2024 Generation West Virginia Fellowship class. A native of Wheeling, West Virginia, he currently resides in Fairmont with his girlfriend, kids, and dog Gideon. Jason is passionate about finding opportunities to empower skilled workers in West Virginia with technology.
Cassidy Riley, Coalfield Development
Cassidy Riley, a native of Good Hope, West Virginia, is the Chief Program Officer at Coalfield Development. She leads workforce and economic development initiatives in coal-impacted regions, overseeing programs that provide hands-on training and create sustainable career pathways. Her leadership has advanced projects funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, helping to revitalize local economies.
Previously, Cassidy worked in infrastructure and economic development for rural communities and local governments across West Virginia, gaining expertise in rural resilience and strategic planning. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Marshall University, with a focus on nonprofit management and rural capacity building. Committed to economic diversification, Cassidy’s work empowers individuals and strengthens communities navigating economic transition in Appalachia.
Lindsey Clagg, Booz Allen Hamilton
Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept—it’s reshaping how we work, hire, and prepare talent. This session begins with a data-driven presentation from Microsoft on AI workforce trends and investments in West Virginia, highlighting where the biggest opportunities are emerging. Then, hear from regional employers and higher education on how AI is already transforming the workplace.
Jared Brown, Director of Talent Policy, Microsoft
Jared has a decade of experience in policy, external affairs and community engagement. He is currently the Director of Talent Policy within the Technology for Fundamental Rights organization and the Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs division at Microsoft. His work focuses on advancing state policies to grow the pipeline of talent in AI and other emerging technologies, including talent from historically minoritized and rural communities.
Joshua D. Spence, Chair of the West Virginia Task Force on Artificial Intelligence
Josh Spence is the Chair of the West Virginia Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, which plays a pivotal role in guiding the state’s adoption of artificial intelligence. He is also the Chief Information Officer at Alpha Innovations, where he leads strategic initiatives focused on AI-driven innovation, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. A former State CIO of West Virginia and a 25-year service member in the West Virginia Air National Guard, Josh is a trusted voice on emerging technology, public-private tech strategy and building secure, future-ready organizations.
Dr. Vincent Smith, Program Director of Computer Science and Data Analytics, University of Charleston
Dr. Vincent Smith is the Program Director of Applied Computer Science and Data Science at the University of Charleston, which includes the newly launched Artificial Intelligence major. He holds a Ph.D. in Data Science from Northcentral University, along with master’s degrees in mathematics and psychology from Marshall University. With over a decade of college teaching experience, Dr. Smith teaches courses in Statistics, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and related areas.
Ryan McClain, Director of Creative Design and Planning at Mills Group
Imaginative and innovative, Ryan McClain, the Director of Creative Design and Planning at Mills Group, possesses a unique outlook for visual design, planning, and aesthetically-charged graphics. Ryan is an expert in utilizing visualization software, digital modeling, and virtual reality methods to illustrate a site’s true design potential. He is also well-versed in visioning and theming projects as well as branding/logo design, wayfinding, info-graphics, photography, and illustrative hand graphics.
Internships can be a powerful tool for attracting and developing future talent. This session will guide employers through the key steps of building a structured internship program. Learn how to create an experience that benefits both interns and your organization. This presentation will be led by the National Association of Colleges and Employers and will include key takeaways from their latest Intern & Co-op Survey and their Internship Guide.
Introduced by: Marshall University
Presenter: Dr. Josh Kahn, Associate Director of Research and Public Policy at the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
At NACE, Josh helps run the research department while conducting focused studies, analyzing data, and disseminating results to the membership and the press. Through this work, he has come to see the power of experiential learning, particularly paid internships, in developing a diverse and career-ready workforce that will ultimately help drive employers to innovate useful and efficient goods and services.
A workforce ready for the future requires more than just job opportunities—it demands strong support systems that empower families and individuals to thrive. In West Virginia, the rising costs of child care and the scarcity of affordable housing are creating barriers that make it increasingly difficult for working families to stay, grow, and thrive.
This inspiring panel will dive into how innovative initiatives and partnerships can support families, strengthen businesses, and help build a future-ready workforce. Learn how public-private partnerships are addressing foundational challenges to move West Virginia forward.
Introduced by: Delegate Kayla Young
Moderated by: Ashley Alford Glance, President of the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce
Ashley Alford Glance is a dynamic force dedicated to advancing her community. A native of Putnam County, she has been instrumental in shaping the Chamber’s progressive vision since joining the staff in 2010. Her leadership led to innovations like Area 34, a pioneering shared workspace enhancing collaboration among local businesses and community organizations and the Comeback Club, is a transformative initiative designed to empower and support women as they embark on their journey to reenter the workforce after career breaks.
Terrell Ellis, President and CEO of Advantage Valley
Terrell Ellis is the President and CEO of Advantage Valley, a nine-county regional economic development organization. Passionate about West Virginia’s growth, she has dedicated her career to community revitalization. She previously worked with Charleston and the WV Department of Economic Development, leading projects in downtown redevelopment, riverfront development, historic preservation, and more.
As Principal of Terrell Ellis & Associates, she consulted on revitalization efforts, particularly in rural areas. Since 2023, she has secured millions in federal funding to support business growth, job creation, and economic development in the region.
Morganne Tenney, Executive Director of the Putnam County Development Authority
Morganne Tenney has transformed the Putnum County Development Authority over the past three years by implementing workforce development strategies like the Kanawha Valley FAME apprenticeship program, which has provided over 60 young people with skilled maintenance apprenticeships. Through initiatives such as the Hometown Advantage campaign and events like the Hometown Advantage Career Fair, she showcases in-demand career pathways to students, engaging them to build their futures in West Virginia and fostering pride in their community. Her recent success in workforce retention includes attracting a national housing developer who plans to bring over 600 housing units to Putnam County.
Will Miller, State Director of the West Virginia Small Business Development Center
Will Miller is originally from West Virginia and attended West Virginia University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. He later returned to complete an MBA in International Business. Will has experience in sales, marketing, and management, having worked for small businesses in West Virginia and the DC Metro area. He serves as the State Director of the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC), an organization dedicated to helping small businesses and entrepreneurs thrive throughout the Mountain State. Will began his career at the WV SBDC as a business coach, working one-on-one with entrepreneurs and small business owners. He later advanced to deputy director. He also became a Certified Business Advisor through Kent State University. In his free time, Will enjoys traveling and whitewater rafting.
Jason Moss, Head of New Government Initiatives, Wonderschool
Jason Moss collaborates closely with State and County agencies to develop and launch new businesses that best support child care around the country. He has 25+ years of experience helping education companies enter new markets, stand up new business divisions, and launch new digital products and services to government, higher education, enterprise, and retail customers. He has founded two companies, and worked previously at companies such as Kaplan, Scholastic, and McKinsey.
A room block discount is available at the Marriot between now and April 1. To make reservations, click here.
Interested in making a bigger impact? Explore sponsorship opportunities or consider joining a panel discussion. Contact Alex Weld at alex@generationwv.org.