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Gainer
ELKINS -- Elkins native and current Marketing Director for the Elkins-Randolph County Tourism Convention and Visitors Bureau Taira Gainer has been named to the 2021 Class of Leadership West Virginia.
Each year a class of around 50 leaders throughout the Mountain State are selected to participate in Leadership West Virginia, which grows, engages, and mobilizes leaders to ignite a lifelong passion to move the Mountain State forward.
"I'm really excited to be chosen to Leadership West Virginia," said Gainer. "I'm going to learn a lot about our state and I'm going to be able to bring that knowledge back home and help enhance Randolph County."
Those selected must have demonstrated skills and experience in civic activities, public affairs, and in their professional careers. And most importantly, each leader chosen must have an enduring interest in West Virginia's future.
"It's going to be very exciting to network with people from different industries throughout the state," said Gainer. "Many of the contacts and relationships I will make through this program are going to be invaluable. I'm really looking forward to it."
The program consists of educational sessions that begin in the month of June and run until November. Participants must be committed to the program and accept the demands of the eight-month schedule, as attendance is mandatory for graduation.
Before taking her current job at the Elkins-Randolph County Tourism Convention and Visitors Bureau in 2018, Gainer held a full-time AmeriCorps position for Elkins Main Street.
While holding down the job at Main Street, Gainer worked on obtaining a masters degree in Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management from North Carolina State University. She graduated summa cum laude from West Virginia University with a BA in Design Studies and a minor in Public Relations as well as Adventure Sports Leadership.
Gainer enjoys spending time outdoors whether it be mountain biking, hiking, camping, or fishing for native brook trout. She is a graduate of Elkins High School where she was a standout player on the girls soccer team, playing all four years at the school. She also played basketball for the Lady Tigers for two seasons.