Submitted photo Members of the Leadership Randolph Class of 2024 left to right, Devon Waters, Lissa Eason, Margot Evick, Bill Phillips, Hannah Phillips, Matt Scott, Clark Evans, Whitney Morris, Phillips Kolsun, Zach Elbon, Karrah Washington, Gate Garlick and Jenna Jeffries. Not pictured,  Dani Cade.

ELKINS — The Elkins-Randolph County Chamber celebrated the graduation of 14 members of the Leadership Randolph Class of 2024 on May 16 at Orchard Hall surrounded by friends, family, Chamber board members, sponsors of the program, and Leadership Randolph “Ambassadors” (graduates of Leadership West Virginia residing in Randolph County).

The class spent the afternoon in an Agriculture session coordinated by WVU Randolph County Extension.  Jody Carpenter and Hannah Fincham served as facilitators. The session included visits to the farm at Huttonsville Correction Center and The Charm Farm.  They ended the session at The Charm Farm’s new location in downtown Elkins.

That same evening, the class gathered for the graduation dinner and ceremony.  The class elected Whitney Phillips Morris as their class speaker.  Morris was introduced by 2023 Class Speaker, Adriana Channell.  Morris spoke of the leadership experience she gained as a member of the class.

She also highlighted special moments and visits during the entire nine-month duration of the class.  Following an orientation session and welcome reception late last summer, the class enjoyed sessions on tourism, economic development, social services/volunteerism, government, healthcare, education, wood product manufacturing, and housing, in addition to agriculture.

Each member of the class was presented a framed certificate acknowledging their completion of the course.

Members of the class of 2024 include Dani Cade (The Arts Center), Lissa Eason (Elkins Main Street), Zach Elbon (Emblazon Sign Company, Clark Evans (Carte-Hall CPAs), Margot Evick (Randolph-Tucker Children’s Advocacy Center), Hannah Fincham (WVU Randolph County Extension), Kate Garlick (Davis & Elkins College), Jenna Jeffries (Elkins Mountain School), Phillips Kolsun (Leidos), Whitney Morris (Woodford Oil Company), William “Bill” Phillips (Citizens Bank of WV), Matt Scott (Davis Health System), Karrah Washington (Nikki Rogers State Farm) and Devon Waters (Davis Trust Company).

Lisa Wood, Executive Director of the Chamber and Leadership Randolph Ambassador stated, “The Leadership Randolph Class of 2024 was a wonderful group of individuals.  They came together as a class very quickly and seemed to enjoy learning about our community and all its facets during the nine sessions.  This class was very service-minded, as well.  They served together twice at the Mountaineer Food Bank and raised money for multiple charities during the year.  I’m so proud of their accomplishment, as are all the Leadership Randolph Ambassadors and program sponsors.  The Chamber is blessed to be able to offer this program on an annual basis.  We appreciate the backing of our members, board of directors, and the sponsors of Leadership Randolph.”

Program sponsors include the City of Elkins, Citizens Bank of WV, Common Door, Davis & Elkins College, Davis Medical Center, Davis Trust Company, Mountaineer Insurance Services, the Randolph County Development Authority, the Randolph County Housing Authority, Vandevander & Nypl CPAs, and Woodlands Development & Lending.

The Elkins-Randolph County Chamber is accepting applications for membership in the Leadership Randolph Class of 2025 now through June 14th.  Sessions run September 2024 through May 2025, and class members are expected to be in attendance at every session. 

Visit www.erccc.com or call the Chamber at 304.636.2717 to find out more information and the online application.  Applicants have until June 14, 2024 to apply to be a member of the Leadership Randolph Class of 2025.

Leadership Randolph is managed by the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber and coordinated by a steering committee made up of graduates of Leadership West Virginia residing in Randolph County.