Sam Cusimano, Director of Development at Generation West Virginia
Generation West Virginia (GWV) proudly announces the appointment of Sam Cusimano as its new Director of Development. Cusimano will lead the organization’s fundraising and development efforts.
Cusimano brings with her a wealth of experience and a deep connection to West Virginia. Hailing from Elkins, WV, she embarked on a journey of professional growth and achievement after graduating from Marietta College with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Following her passion for communication and marketing, she pursued a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications from West Virginia University.
Her career has taken her on an inspiring trajectory, from contributing to magazine writing and client relations in Pittsburgh, to spearheading marketing and communications efforts for the James Beard Award-Winning Commander’s Family of Restaurants in New Orleans. After she played a pivotal role in establishing the Donor Relations team at LSU Health in New Orleans, Cusimano returned to West Virginia, where she served as the Assistant Director at Davis Health System Foundation in Elkins.
“After an extensive search, we’re thrilled to have found Sam,” said Alex Weld, executive director of Generation West Virginia. “Her experience in nonprofit fundraising and partnership building, coupled with her passion for building a brighter future for West Virginia, make her an ideal fit for this role.”
Despite her ventures beyond the Mountain State, Cusimano remained deeply connected to her West Virginia roots.
“When reflecting on my journey, I realized that my heart belonged to West Virginia all along,” said Cusimano. “I missed the beauty of our state, the warmth of its people, and the unparalleled sense of community that defines it.”
Her decision to join Generation West Virginia was driven by a deep-seated belief in the potential of her home state and a desire to join the positive momentum in the Mountain State. Cusimano envisions leveraging her expertise to ensure the sustainability of the organization by building new partnerships, anticipating the challenges that may arise and creating new pathways forward.
“I am thrilled to begin this journey with Generation West Virginia,” Cusimano said. “I’m returning with a purpose – to help my fellow West Virginians by providing connections to good jobs and career training and guidance, and in doing so, making it feasible for people to move back or stay. I want young West Virginians to know that the opportunities they seek are within reach right here at home.”
###
About Generation West Virginia
Generation West Virginia is the statewide organization that works to ensure young West Virginians have the skills and opportunities to access well-paying careers in the Mountain State, so they can choose to stay. 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.