One thing I've always loved about Monongalia County is the people I've met and the opportunities that make this community special. This year, I was honored to be selected for the Leadership Monongalia Class of 2027 through a competitive selection process.

Through the Morgantown Area Partnership, Leadership Monongalia selects up to 20 individuals each year to participate in a nine-month program focused on developing leadership skills, making connections, and learning more about the area we call home. Each month, we get a behind-the-scenes look at the organizations, industries, and people helping our region grow.

The program brings together professionals from diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas, build relationships, and explore topics like education, healthcare, economic development, government, and community involvement. 

Getting to Know Our Community from the Inside Out

One of the things I've enjoyed most about Leadership Monongalia so far is discovering new places and experiences right here in my own community. Each session has taken me somewhere I hadn't visited before, giving me a chance to see a different side of Monongalia County.

We started with our first session at Chestnut Mountain Ranch, where we learned about its mission and got to know our fellow participants. The following month, we enjoyed a two-day retreat at Camp Dawson, which brought plenty of team-building challenges, leadership activities, and laughs. At our most recent session, we got an inside look at local education, visiting Morgantown High School, the Technical Education Center, Eastwood Elementary, and Mountaineer Middle School. Hearing directly from educators about their programs, resources, and opportunities for students gave me a new appreciation for everything happening in our schools.

Beyond the places we've visited, my favorite part has been connecting with professionals from different industries and backgrounds, both within my Leadership Monongalia class and throughout our sessions. I've valued the diversity of perspectives, experiences, and opinions, as well as the opportunity to build meaningful friendships along the way. It's been a reminder of how much we can learn from one another, even when our day-to-day work and experiences look very different.

Bringing New Perspectives Back to BTA

As a business founded in Monongalia County that has grown to serve clients across the region and beyond, BlaineTurner Advertising understands the importance of building relationships and staying connected to our community. Leadership Monongalia gives me the opportunity to meet local professionals, learn more about the organizations shaping our region, and strengthen connections beyond the office.

As a Media Specialist at BTA, I'm excited to bring these experiences and perspectives back to my work. Marketing is all about understanding people, and many of the industries and organizations we're exploring directly connect to the clients we serve. Getting a firsthand look at their operations, hearing about their challenges, and meeting the people behind their work helps me better understand their needs and bring more informed ideas to our clients.

Growing Where I Call Home

Morgantown has been home to so many important chapters of my life, from my time at WVU to building my career at BTA. I've met so many incredible people along the way, and Leadership Monongalia has already introduced me to even more.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue growing personally and professionally, learn from people who care deeply about our community, and find new ways to make a difference right here in Monongalia County.

And the best part? We're just getting started!