Reed is the first woman and first West Virginian to lead EXIM and was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve a term expiring Jan. 20, 2021.

But her interest in government came after her first love of science.

“I did not always think I would end up in law school,” she said. “I certainly didn’t think I would end up as president and chairman of the board of directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States.”

“I encourage everyone to have a network of mentors who will help develop you as you become a professional and support you throughout your life,” she said.

Kimberly Reed, president of the Export-Import Bank of the United States and the guest speaker for the Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce, accepts a speaker’s gift from past chamber president Robbie Skinner.

Reed shared two examples of how professors set her on her current trajectory.

She said she wanted to be a doctor and had majored in biology with a minor in chemistry. She added a second major in government because of Dr. Robert Rupp, professor at West Virginia Wesleyan College.

“In 1990 during J-term, Dr. Rupp taught a new class called ‘Kennedy, Catholicism and the 1960 West Virginia Primary,'” she said. “We learned how the West Virginia primary was a pivotal election for Kennedy.”

In the class, Rupp challenged Reed to interview then-West Virginia Secretary of State Ken Hechler, which she did.

“In hindsight, I learned more about myself in that class because of you,” she said.

Along the way, Reed found her interests turning more to government and law and international relations than biology and chemistry.

“This was my passion,” she said.

Reed said the choice was clear and she took the LSAT and earned her law degree from West Virginia University. Her experience with Dr. Jack Bowman, who ended up teaching one of her law classes, also helped set Reed on the path to where she is today, she added.

The Export-Import Bank was created in 1934 to help the United States export goods and services. Although first tapped by Trump as VP for the Export-Important Bank in 2017, there was a delay in Congress making appointments. Reed was sworn into her current position in May 2019.

Reed said she got 100 percent vote as a conservative Republican from Democrats because they love the EXIM.

“My final vote was 79-17,” she said. “It was great to get that amazing vote.”

Reed said she now leads an organization of about 400 people.

Reed said the bank has done about $19 million worth of work in West Virginia and supported 15 companies but she hopes to do more.

That is why Reed has been making visits to West Virginia, including speaking at the state chamber of commerce and WVU, as well as Monday’s Buckhannon event.

There is also a big focus on competing with China, according to Reed.

Also at the dinner, Skip Gjolberg, administrator of St. Joseph’s Hospital, noted announcements of hospitals closing or filing bankruptcy around the state.

“That is not something that is going to be happening at St. Joe’s,” he said. “We are doing really good this year financially as a percentage. We have good financial footing. A lot of that is because of you guys. Because you all use our hospital.”

Gjolberg reminded the dinner attendees to continue using their local hospital because that makes the hospital stay on good financial footing.

“We can do a lot at St. Joe’s,” he said. “We have expanded our services a lot. Come to St. Joe’s; come check it out if you haven’t been there for a while. ”

The award winners, announced by past chamber president Robbie Skinner, closed out the banquet.

West Virginia Strawberry Festival was named the 2019 Organization of the Year.

Estimates show that approximately 100,000 people pack Buckhannon every year to take in the event.

“The festival without a doubt plays a major role in making Buckhannon one of the very best small towns in America, and we cannot thank the dedicated team of volunteers enough for their commitment year in, and year out,” he said.

The 2019 Business of the Year is Community Care of West Virginia and has roots in southern Upshur County but has become a major force and has plan for additional expansion in downtown Buckhannon, Skinner said. Celebrating 40 years, the business employs more than 300 people in 15 health care centers, five pharmacies, 13 contract pharmacies and one dental clinic in Central West Virginia. There are now 53 school-based health centers in the area, including six in Upshur County.

The 2019 Business Woman of the Year is Lisa Hulver, owner of Tateep Unique Boutique, who purchased the business three years ago and has become involved in BURMA and the chamber of commerce.

“She proudly carries many locally made items in her store that specializes in a variety of gift items including clothing, jewelry, purses, bags and more,” he said. “Yes, small business ownership is challenging, but her strength, determination and spirit for giving back to her community are what makes her business successful.”

Business Man of the Year was Gjolberg, who is active in the community including the Upshur County Development Authority and his church. During his tenure at St. Joe’s, the hospital has been recognized as a top 100 Critical Access Care Hospital and received the Gold Honors Achievement Award and awards for quality and safety.

“Through his commitment, he instills in his staff a shared dedication to the mission and vision of the organization,” Skinner said.

In a surprise to Skinner, who was acting as emcee, new chamber president Kathie McMurray took over the microphone to name Skinner as the 2019 Citizen of the Year.

McMurray cited Skinner’s photography work of Buckhannon and Upshur County, many of which find their way into donations of framed photos for the chamber award winners over the years, and his recent acceptance into Tamarack.

She also noted Skinner’s volunteerism in Create Buckhannon since its founding, his work with Artistry on Main, his help serving at various community events and organizations and his past work with flood relief.

Skinner has also worked to grow Mountain Lakes Insurance Agency, which he manages, and moved its office to Main Street in recent years.

In 2016, Skinner was elected to Buckhannon City Council and is finishing up a four-year term.

After accepting the award, Skinner took a moment to thank everyone for the award before closing out the evening.

“I’m speechless,” he said. “I’m humbled beyond belief.”