, , , , ,

Leadership and Public Service: A Keynote by Attorney General Patrick Morrisey at ALMBS

Patrick James Morrisey, born on December 21, 1967, is an accomplished attorney and politician, currently serving as the 34th Attorney General of West Virginia. A member of the Republican Party, he was elected to the position in 2012, becoming the first Republican to serve in the role since 1933.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Morrisey grew up in Edison, New Jersey. He graduated with honors from Rutgers College with a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science in 1989. He also attended Rutgers School of Law–Newark, receiving his juris doctor in 1992.

Morrisey has had a multi-faceted career in law and public service, including roles as a former Partner and Practice Chair at a major national law firm, a former Chairman of the Republican Attorney Generals Association, a former Chief Counsel to the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee, and an owner of his own law practice.

Throughout his tenure as Attorney General, Morrisey has made fighting fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption a top priority. His office’s total money protected for consumers and taxpayers exceeds $1 billion since 2013.

Today, we are honored to have him as our keynote speaker at the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State.

/0 Comments
, , , , ,

Running Towards Leadership: A Keynote by Jamie Summerlin of Freedom Run USA at ALMBS

Jamie Summerlin, a Marine from Morgantown, West Virginia, is known for his Freedom Run across America to honor U.S. veterans. After running his first marathon in 2009, he was inspired to take on greater challenges. In 2012, he embarked on a 100-day journey across America, covering 3,452 miles through 16 states and Washington DC. Along the way, he visited VA hospitals and participated in ceremonies honoring veterans. Today, he continues to support veterans through Operation Welcome Home and other nonprofits, and shares his experiences through motivational speaking engagements.

/0 Comments
, , , , ,

Kickstarting the Journey: The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State Opening Assembly

Welcome to the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State Opening Assembly! We are thrilled to have you all here, ready to embark on an incredible journey of leadership, citizenship, and personal growth.

Firstly, we would like to introduce the American Legion, a remarkable organization dedicated to supporting our veterans and nurturing future leaders like yourselves. Their commitment to service and community is truly inspiring.

We also want to take a moment to honor our POW/MIA servicemen and women. Their sacrifices remind us of the cost of our freedom and inspire us to strive for a better world.

Next, we will recite the Pledge of Allegiance, a powerful expression of our loyalty to this great nation. As we say these words, let us remember the principles they represent: liberty, justice, and the pursuit of a better tomorrow.

Finally, we will observe a moment of silence as we play Taps. This solemn bugle call serves as a poignant reminder of the service and sacrifice of our military personnel.

Once again, welcome to the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State. Let’s make this a memorable and transformative experience for all!

/0 Comments
, , ,

Kent Leonhardt, West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture, to Deliver Inspiring Keynote Address at The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State!

Kent Leonhardt is a dedicated public servant and experienced farmer who has been serving the State of West Virginia since 2014. After being elected to the West Virginia State Senate representing the 2nd Senatorial District, which encompassed several rural counties, Kent went on to be elected as the West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture in 2016, now serving his second term.

Kent’s passion for farming developed at a young age while serving in the United States Marine Corps. In 1982, he purchased an abandoned farm near Blacksville, WV, and together with his wife Shirley, revitalized it. For two decades, they raised sheep, cattle, and goats, as well as cultivated crops and sold hay when there was a surplus.

Kent’s education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Management from the University of Missouri, where he took courses in agriculture, natural resources, and environmental protection. He also holds a Master’s in Business Management from Central Michigan University.

With a distinguished military career, Kent served in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1996. He received numerous accolades during his service, including the Legion of Merit and Combat Action Ribbon.

Beyond his agricultural and military background, Kent is actively involved in various organizations. He is a member of the Monongalia County Farm Bureau, has served as President of the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture, and holds the position of President of the Agriculture and Forestry Hall of Fame. He also serves on the board of Directors for Operation Welcome Home and is a life member of the Marine Corps League and The American Legion.

Kent and Shirley have three sons and six grandchildren, and they continue to reside on their farm in Blacksville, WV.

 

For more information on the Office of the Commissioner of Agriculture visit: https://agriculture.wv.gov/

/0 Comments
, , ,

Mastering the Art of Leadership: Discover the Secrets to Effective Leadership with Mark McMillion, a West Point Graduate and Internationally Seasoned Leader

Mark McMillion is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience, honing his leadership skills in diverse environments across the globe. As a graduate of West Point, he received unparalleled training in the art of leadership. With a strong foundation in engineering, Mark understands the importance of data-driven decision-making. His extensive military career included assignments in Germany, Norway, and two combat tours in Iraq, where he held various leadership positions.

Mark firmly believes that true leadership extends beyond giving orders or disciplinary actions. Building mutual trust, loyalty, and respect for others are essential qualities for effective leadership in any setting. Throughout his career, he held pivotal roles such as platoon leader, West Point assistant professor, battalion executive officer, and exercise planner for NATO. Each experience contributed significantly to his personal growth and leadership development.

Working alongside exceptional sergeants as a platoon leader, Mark learned that leading great teams often involves providing them with the necessary resources and allowing them to thrive independently. He often emphasizes that “50% of great leadership is knowing when to get out of the way,” while acknowledging that the remaining 50% can be more challenging. Mark has adeptly navigated complex leadership situations, gaining invaluable expertise along the way.

During his tenure at West Point as an instructor, Mark refined his presentation skills and took pride in shaping future Army leaders. He eagerly awaits the day when one of his former cadets acknowledges how their time at West Point profoundly influenced their rise to the presidency.

As the second-in-command of an artillery battalion, Mark assumed comprehensive responsibility for all aspects of the unit. Whether overseeing the maintenance of over 225 combat vehicles or mentoring young officers, he played a crucial role in preparing the unit for its next combat deployment.

His time at NATO provided him with a deep appreciation for the value of diversity. Collaborating with individuals from more than 20 countries, many of whom were non-native English speakers, sharpened his communication and presentation skills. Mark discovered that leadership is not about being the smartest person in the room; instead, it involves effectively leading teams of subject-matter experts by asking the right questions. His contributions as the leader of exercise content resulted in groundbreaking exercises for NATO.

Following his retirement as a lieutenant colonel in 2013, Mark founded McMillion Leadership Associates, a company dedicated to delivering practical leadership training to all levels of organizations. Additionally, he has taught leadership theory at West Virginia University. Mark holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and an M.S. in Cognitive Systems Engineering from The Ohio State University.

Mark, along with his wife Toni, has been happily married for over 30 years. They reside in Clarksburg, West Virginia, and are proud parents of four children.

 

For more information on Mark McMillion and McMillion Leadership Associates visit: https://mcmillionleadership.com/

/0 Comments
, , ,

Unlocking Financial Success: Join us for a Keynote Presentation by Edward Jones, featuring Lisa Cain and Thomas Newbrough!

EDWARD JONES

Edward Jones is a prominent financial institution that offers a wide range of corporate capabilities. With a focus on individual investors, the company provides comprehensive investment advisory services, personalized financial planning, and wealth management solutions. Edward Jones boasts a network of highly skilled financial advisors who collaborate closely with clients to understand their unique goals and develop tailored strategies. The firm’s capabilities encompass retirement planning, education funding, estate and legacy planning, as well as investment options including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and insurance products. Guided by a commitment to long-term relationships and exceptional client service, Edward Jones strives to empower individuals, families, and businesses to achieve their financial objectives and secure a prosperous future.

For more information on Edward Jones visit: https://www.edwardjones.com/

LISA CAIN

Lisa Cain is an experienced financial advisor with over 19 years of industry expertise, having joined Edward Jones in 2012. With a commitment to providing exceptional service, Lisa earned the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) designation to enhance her ability to meet the diverse needs of her clients. Through a meticulous process, she develops personalized financial strategies that align with each client’s unique goals, always emphasizing the importance of even the smallest details in achieving significant outcomes. Lisa maintains regular communication with her clients, ensuring they stay on track and making necessary adjustments as they progress through different life stages. To offer comprehensive service, she collaborates with her clients’ CPAs and attorneys, respecting the confidentiality of their information. Lisa takes pride in serving a diverse clientele, including individuals and families seeking wealth growth, education savings, retirement planning, and intergenerational wealth transfer. She also assists small business owners in developing strategies for business succession, asset growth, and tax reduction. Lisa values building meaningful relationships with her clients, considering many of them as family, and finds joy in helping them achieve their envisioned financial lives. Beyond her work at Edward Jones, she volunteers with local dog rescue organizations and enjoys gardening and painting in her leisure time.

For more information on Lisa Cain and her service offerings visit: https://www.edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/lisa-cain

THOMAS NEWBROUGH

Thomas Newbrough is a dedicated financial advisor at Edward Jones, serving since 2015. He takes immense satisfaction in assisting individuals, couples, and families in achieving financial independence, allowing them to spend more quality time with loved ones, find purpose in retirement, and embrace a fulfilling life. Thomas follows a well-established process to create personalized financial strategies that align with his clients’ unique goals. By actively listening and understanding their priorities, he constructs measurable objectives tailored to their specific circumstances. Thomas maintains regular communication with his clients, ensuring they are informed of important developments and stay on track. When necessary, he collaborates with trusted professionals, such as CPAs and attorneys, while prioritizing client confidentiality. Alongside his dedicated Sr. Branch Office Administrator, Emily Miller, Thomas is passionate about client service and empowering clients with knowledge and informed decision-making. He serves the community as the president of the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce, a member of The Weston Rotary Club and Lewis County First, and has been recognized as Rotarian of the Year in 2014 and 2017. In his leisure time, Thomas enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, and appreciating the natural beauty of West Virginia. He also nurtures his creative side through cooking and exploring oil painting. For those seeking guidance on their financial standing, savings concerns, or a second opinion, Thomas encourages reaching out for life-changing benefits and assures clients of his unwavering support.

For more information on Thomas Newbrough and his service offerings visit: https://www.edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/thomas-newbrough

/0 Comments
, , ,

JB McCuskey: Leading with Transparency as State Auditor

John B. “JB” McCuskey, the 21st State Auditor of West Virginia, is currently serving his second term, having been first elected in 2016. Prior to his role as Auditor, he served two terms in the House of Delegates and practiced law in Charleston.

As Auditor, McCuskey has made it his priority to establish an efficient, effective, and transparent government. Under his leadership, West Virginia has become the most transparent state in the nation, providing citizens with real-time access to data on how their tax dollars are utilized through WVCheckbook.gov. McCuskey has also introduced the Public Integrity and Fraud Unit, leading over 200 investigations into local governments and uncovering more than $2.5 million in fraudulent activities.

A key tool in the fight against fraud and abuse is the state Purchasing Card (P-Card) program. Over the past five years, McCuskey has successfully advocated for increased adoption of the P-Card among agencies, boards, commissions, and higher education institutions, streamlining payment processes and resulting in tens of millions of dollars in cost avoidance savings annually. Since taking office, the use of P-Cards has generated over $41 million in rebates for the state and local governments.

McCuskey is at the forefront of utilizing augmented intelligence and machine learning to enhance government processes and combat the misuse of taxpayer funds. The Auditor’s Office has developed a groundbreaking platform to track government spending, identify fraud, and highlight important trends, becoming the first of its kind.

In addition to his role as Auditor, McCuskey serves as the Land Commissioner for West Virginia. He has championed the revision of outdated tax laws to streamline the property tax process, expediting procedures and preventing properties from falling into disrepair due to lengthy processes. The legislation also introduced payment plans for homeowners facing financial hardships, providing much-needed relief.

A native of Harrison County, West Virginia, McCuskey’s deep love for the Mountain State and his commitment to public service were instilled by his parents, John and Anne McCuskey.

McCuskey holds a degree in Political Communication from The George Washington University and is a graduate of the West Virginia University College of Law. Prior to his legal studies, he worked as a civilian at the Pentagon, serving in the offices of the Army and Department of Defense General Counsels.

Auditor McCuskey resides in Charleston with his wife, Wendy, their daughters, Charlotte Anne and Martha Elizabeth, and their beloved dog, Pearl. They also own a small business in the city. Through his leadership and dedication, McCuskey continues to prioritize transparency and effective governance, working tirelessly to serve the people of West Virginia.

 

For more information on the Office of the WV Auditor visit: https://www.wvsao.gov/

/0 Comments
, , ,

Senator Joe Manchin Extends Warm Welcome to Mountaineer Boys State Participants in Special Video Message!

Joe Manchin, a U.S. Senator representing West Virginia, has been serving the state since November 15, 2010. Born and raised in the coal mining town of Farmington, Senator Manchin deeply understands the values cherished by all West Virginians—family, common sense, fairness, and hard work. His grandfather, an Italian immigrant and town grocer known as Papa Joe, instilled in him the importance of serving the public, while his grandmother, Mama Kay, inspired his commitment to public service through her unwavering compassion for the less fortunate.

Throughout his political career, spanning from his days as a state legislator to his six-year tenure as Governor and now as a Senator, Joe Manchin has remained dedicated to his philosophy of “retail government.” This approach centers on connecting with constituents and prioritizing their needs and concerns. In Washington, he strives to bring the same spirit of bipartisanship that has guided him throughout his life, working across party lines to find practical solutions for the challenges facing our nation. His aim is to foster a new era of bipartisan cooperation within the Senate and Congress.

Job creation holds paramount importance for Senator Manchin. He firmly believes that the government should act as a partner, not an adversary, in creating an environment conducive to generating quality American jobs. Moreover, he recognizes the necessity of addressing our nation’s fiscal challenges while safeguarding the promises made to seniors and veterans by protecting Social Security and Medicare.

As Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, the Senate Committee on Armed Services, and the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Senator Manchin is at the forefront of critical issues. He advocates for a balanced national energy plan that harnesses all available resources while acknowledging the continued importance of fossil fuels. Senator Manchin envisions a commonsense approach that carefully balances environmental considerations with economic demands, aiming to achieve energy independence in our generation.

Beyond politics, Joe Manchin is an avid pilot, outdoorsman, hunter, angler, and motorcyclist. He has been happily married to Gayle Conelly for over five decades, and together they have three children—Heather, Joseph IV, and Brooke—and are proud grandparents to Joseph V, Sophie, Kelsey, Madeline, Chloe, Jack, Carly, Vivian, Beaux, and Knox.

 

For more information on Senator Joe Manchin office visit: https://www.manchin.senate.gov/

/0 Comments
, , , ,

Senator Manchin Keynotes ALMBS Graduation Assembly

Senator Manchin has served in several leadership capacities on various associations, including: Chairman of the National Governors Association, Chairman of the Southern States Energy Board, President of the Council of State Governments, Chairman of the Democratic Governors Association and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Association.

Senator Manchin served as Secretary of State from 2000 to 2004, and his office was known for excellent customer service. He was a state legislator from 1982 to 1996, where he earned a reputation for standing up for West Virginians.

Senator Manchin became a successful businessman after attending West Virginia University on a football scholarship.

Senator Manchin is an avid pilot, outdoorsman, hunter, angler and motorcyclist. He has been married for more than four decades to the former Gayle Conelly of Beckley. They have three children: Heather, Joseph IV and Brooke, and are the proud grandparents of Joseph V, Sophie, Kelsey, Madeline, Chloe, Jack, Carly, Vivian, Beaux and Knox.

For more information: https://www.manchin.senate.gov/

/0 Comments