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Judy Moore joined the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) in May 2017 as a regional business advisor for the West Virginia Hive, the entrepreneurship program of the NRGRDA. In November 2017 Judy assumed the role of Executive Director at the Hive. In 2019 the NRGRDA co-founded the Country Roads Angel Network under Judy’s leadership. In July 2022 Judy was promoted to NRGRDA Deputy Director of Operations and continues to serve as the Executive Director of the WV Hive. As deputy director of the NRGRDA, Judy supports the operations of the organization, working alongside the NRGRDA Executive Director. As the Hive executive director, Judy focuses on establishing partnerships and alliances that provide increased access to resources for businesses and entrepreneurs. She works with her team of business advisors, support network, and funders to bring about more effective and efficient means through which regional entrepreneurs can operate successful establishments.
Before joining the NRGRDA, Judy was employed as an Assistant Director at West Virginia University’s (WVU) National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC). Judy’s primary responsibilities at NAFTC included providing leadership in areas of creative direction, media relations, and management of the communications/marketing, education and outreach efforts of the organization. Judy also served as the Principal Investigator/Project Coordinator of numerous projects and grants. She also assisted in the development of workshop materials, authored and co-authored many articles for industry newsletters and publications.
Judy serves on the Tamarack Foundation for the Arts board of directors, the WV Community Development Hub board of directors, and the West Virginia Women’s Business Center Advisory Board.
Judy holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from American Intercontinental University and a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications from WVU.
Amy serves as Project Manager at the West Virginia Hive Network. She grew up around farmers and entrepreneurs in rural Virginia and recognizes the resourcefulness and diverse strategies required in developing a strong southern West Virginia economy. A West Virginian by choice, Amy brings experience in program management, economic and environmental research, and a passion for strengthening networks and opportunities to her work on the Community and Business Resilience Initiative and other projects with the WV Hive. Amy has a background in home repair as an AmeriCorps member in Arizona, hiking-based environmental education at the Appalachian Mountain Club in New Hampshire, residential healthcare in Virginia, and program management at Conservation Legacy in Beckley. She recently completed dual Master’s in Public Administration and Urban and Regional Planning at Virginia Tech. She is an enthusiastic connector of ideas and people, focused on collaborative learning, holistic communication, equity, and progress. Amy is analytical and curious and enjoys engaging cultural frameworks to support healthy ecosystems in which individuals and communities thrive. She also enjoys the outdoors, volunteers with Active SWV, and advocates for bicyclists and pedestrians in Beckley.
As a passionate West Virginia native, Mary brings a strong mix of caring and small business experience to the WV Hive Network. A recent Board Member and volunteer for the New River Humane Society, Mary has worked hard to develop standard operating procedures and innovative fundraising and outreach efforts, contributing to the rescue of over 1,800 disadvantaged animals per year. A tireless community advocate, Mary also used her role as Receiving Manager at Tractor Supply in Oak Hill to support local farmers and youth programs such as 4H and FFA.
With a background as a Rural Business Services Coordinator with the WVSU Extension Service and a Marketing Facilitator for the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, Mary is an enthusiastic problem solver, dedicated to promoting local small business development and improving the professional skills of local entrepreneurs. Her outgoing and energetic nature and deep ties to local employees, entrepreneurs, and volunteer networks in the areas of artisans, agriculture, specialty foods, tourism, and renewable energy make her an ideal advocate for the West Virginia Hive Network.
Beth is a lifelong Oak Hill/Fayette County resident and rejoins the NRGRDA as the Contracts and Procurement Specialist for the WV Hive. She brings many years of experience as an Executive Assistant to the founding partners of Class VI River Runners, the Executive Director of 4-C Economic Development Authority, which later became the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority and most recently, the Group Director/General Manager of the Summit Bechtel Reserve, the fourth high adventure base and permanent home of the Boy Scouts of America’s National Scout Jamboree.
She is involved in the community as a member of the Board of Directors of the Friends of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce and the Oak Hill High/Collins High Alumni Association. Beth also serves her church, Calvary Baptist Church in Oak Hill, as Clerk.
Beth graduated from Oak Hill High School and West Virginia Institute of Technology with an Associate of Science degree in Medical Secretarial Studies.
She is looking forward to assisting in helping the aspiring and existing business owners of the WV Hive service area to thrive throughout southern West Virginia.
In July 2023, Hannah joined the WV Hive in the role of Program Coordinator. A native of southern West Virginia, she is passionate about supporting communities in the New River Gorge region. She brings experience in business and facility management and spent the last few years in Roanoke, Virginia, working with Carilion Clinic to support maintenance and operations of rural health facilities across southwestern and central Virginia.
Hannah holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Concord University. In August 2022, she completed her master’s degree in public administration, concentrating in nonprofit management. During her graduate studies, she conducted a comprehensive assessment on economic development in her hometown of Beckley, inciting her motivation to return to her roots in West Virginia.
Hannah is a problem solver and a relationship builder. Inspired by connecting with her community and learning the individual stories of its members, she is enthusiastic about joining the WV Hive team and promoting the program and its initiatives.
Diana Woods joined the WV Hive in July 2024 as its Collegiate Project Manager for Entrepreneurship Expansion. A native of southern West Virginia, Diana is a Marshall University business administration graduate with concentrations in accounting and management. She has held managerial, tax and accounting positions with the State of West Virginia, as well as private and non-profit organizations and is the former director of the WVU Tech Launch Lab. She is also a Certified Public Accountant.
Leah Hurley joined the NRGRDA and WV Hive Network as the Grants Compliance Coordinator in January 2024. Leah recently relocated to West Virginia from Lakewood, Ohio. From hiking to exploring scenic trails, she values opportunities to connect with and immerse herself in the natural beauty and vibrant culture of the New River Gorge region. Leah’s appreciation for new experiences has strengthened her seamless transition to the area. Leah holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master's degree in general management from Tiffin University and has a robust, professional background in the nonprofit sector. Her education, practical experience, and passion for community development have equipped her to skillfully navigate the intricacies of grants management and regulatory compliance. Driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in her community, Leah looks forward to enhancing the NRGRDA and WV Hive’s capacity for implementing impactful initiatives.
Samantha Phillips serves as the Business Advising Coordinator at the WV Hive. She is a local small business owner and social entrepreneur who brings almost 20 years' experience in the hospitality, agriculture, and tourism industry. Samantha is a wife and mother of four who is passionate about community outreach, local food sustainability and WV handcrafted workmanship.
Previously a client of the WV Hive, Samantha was able to build her business by collaborating and networking with other local small businesses. She also has worked hard to help mentor start up food businesses by operating a shared hub commercial kitchen space and shared retail space. This has provided the support for other small businesses that are just getting started to have the space to test out new ideas and recipes as well as beginning to build their small business network. By utilizing the resources and free business coaching at the WV Hive, Samantha’s company launched a transitional job training program for individuals graduating Substance Abuse Treatment Programs and teens aging out of foster care. Samantha is passionate about creating opportunities and providing resources for her community. In, 2023 Samantha’s company was awarded Social Enterprise of the Year for her mission to make a positive social impact on WV. She not only brings her professional experience but also her life experience as a foster youth and recovery spouse. She hopes to help other WV small businesses grow and create a recovery friendly work environment for second chance job opportunities.
Matt joined the WV Hive in September 2024 as a Regional Business Advisor. He is a proud West Virginia native with deep ties to the Summersville and New River Gorge areas. He is passionate about the outdoors and can often be found camping, hiking, or biking. This has provided numerous opportunities to connect and engage with communities in the region. He is eager to further develop these connections and offer support to entrepreneurs and small businesses in the area.
Matt studied Business Management at Marshall University and has an extensive background in leadership. He has over 24 years of experience in the wireless industry, where he was dedicated to helping both his team and his customers. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with entrepreneurs and small businesses to ensure their wireless needs were met and they had access to valuable resources and creative solutions that allowed their business to grow.
His education, practical experience, and passion to see others succeed has equipped him to skillfully assist his clients. He brings a unique blend of both analytical and problem-solving abilities to the table. As an enthusiastic team player, he is excited to work with existing and aspiring business owners throughout the WV Hive service area. Whether a business is in the ideation, incubation, or acceleration phase, Matt is motivated to offer the guidance and support necessary to help entrepreneurs in West Virginia succeed.
Devon joined our team as a Regional Business Advisor in September 2024. Originally from Southwest Virginia, Devon has spent the last decade residing in Fayette County, West Virginia, which she proudly considers home. She holds a bachelor’s degree in management and leadership from Bluefield University and is currently pursuing an MBA to further enhance her business acumen.
As a Business Advisor, Devon will leverage her extensive industry experience and leadership skills to provide strategic guidance and support to local businesses. She focuses on helping businesses navigate challenges, optimize operations, and achieve their growth objectives. Her diverse work in telecommunications and non-profit operations and compliance equips her with a unique perspective on business development and problem-solving.
Devon is enthusiastic about leveraging her diverse background to support local entrepreneurs and businesses. She looks forward to making a positive impact and fostering growth in her new role. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor activities and traveling, always seeking new adventures and experiences to enrich her personal and professional life.
Jessica McGuire is an industrious West Virginia native that is synergistic to meet the economic developmental needs of rural West Virginia. McGuire is a Greenbrier County native and moved to Raleigh County in 2002 with a vital need to serve the community.
A community's access to resources has served as fuel for McGuire's education and career. For the past 19 years, McGuire has provided behavioral health counseling and grant development services to a variety of individuals and agencies in need, working her way up to senior leadership roles. In doing so, McGuire has cultivated incredible working relationships with individuals at all levels of government. McGuire has served as a member of Human Rights Committees locally since 2009 and is currently serving as a Commissioner on the Beckley Human Rights Committee. Additionally, she volunteers at the Raleigh County Solid Waste Authority Hightower Garden to help homebound veterans have access to fresh produce.
McGuire has demonstrable success in launching fund development, grossing millions of dollars for continued program development for people and programs in need. Her career has focused on: Grant Project Development; Local, State, and Federal Grant Compliance; Funding Procurement; Fundraising; Policy & Procedure Development; Board Management; Board Membership; VISTA Program Management; State Veterans Home Construction Grant Programs; Veterans Program Management; Program Retention; Program Development; Residential Behavior Management; Transitional Housing; Permanent Supportive Housing; Emergency Solution Grant Development/ Management; Earmarks; Behavior Consultation; Internal Review Committee Needs; Financial Reporting; Clinical Supervision; Non-Profit Management; and Utilization Management.
McGuire enjoys the water life in rural West Virginia, which keeps her pulled to the region. She has a history of rock climbing in the NRG (New River Gorge), a publication in WV South, kayaking the New River and Greenbrier River as often as possible, and hiking all 27 trails on the NRG. This continues to fuel her enthusiasm for the area and economic development surrounding the NRG and the City of Beckley as they continue to evolve.
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