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Erica O’Briant of Logan was one of 52 leaders from across the state who accepted invitations to participate in the 2013 Class of Leadership West Virginia. Candidates were selected from a list of nominations that was submitted in late 2012. O’Briant is with the Hatfield-McCoy CVB and Logan Chamber of Commerce

Leadership West Virginia (LWV) is now in its 22nd year as the premier statewide education and leadership development program in West Virginia. The eight-month program identifies emerging leaders from a variety of employers throughout West Virginia and enhances their knowledge, not only of the challenges facing the state, but also the state’s unique attributes and diversity. Recognizing the cultivation of new leadership is of utmost importance to West Virginia’s future prosperity and progress, Leadership West Virginia works to develop and motivate a cross-section of leaders who will use their talents and abilities to inspire others, and to foster a new spirit of energy, enthusiasm and vitality throughout the state. LWV is affiliated with the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

“Each year, the class participants are selected from a list of top-quality applicants from around the state. Individuals are selected into the program because they demonstrate leadership skills and experiences in civic activities, public affairs and in their professional careers. We are very pleased with the number of people who applied for this year’s class” said Pam Farris, executive director of Leadership West Virginia. She noted interest in being a class member continues to be a very competitive process.

Throughout this year, class members will travel to eight different communities in West Virginia to receive broad-based education on critical topics and, at the same time, have opportunities to hone their leadership skills. The locations and topics for the training program for the Class of 2012 include:

• March 14-15 at Charleston with the topic Welcome to Leadership

• April 18-19, Martinsburg with the topic FirstEnergy Economic Development/Education Session

• May 16-17 at Logan with the topic Natural Resource Partners Coal Session

• June 20-21 at New River Gorge with the topic Chesapeake Energy Tourism Session

• July 11-12 at Morgantown with the topic Jackson Kelly Critical Issues/The Marcellus Shale Session

• September 19-20 at Wheeling with the topic Steptoe & Johnson Justice System

• October 24-25 at White Sulphur Springs with the topic WV Hospital Association Health Care Session

• November 21-22 at Charleston with the topic BrickStreet Government & Commencement Session

“Leadership West Virginia provides graduates with the skills and the knowledge in making sound, informed decisions. Many of the participants serve as private citizen volunteers, and many seek and serve in public office. Among the many benefits that come with being a graduate of the program is the network of alumni throughout the state. Leadership West Virginia congratulates the individuals who were selected to this year’s class and wish them the best of luck,” added Farris.