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

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

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

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

Patrick Morrisey: Leading with Integrity as Attorney General

Patrick Morrisey was elected as the Attorney General for the State of West Virginia on November 6, 2012, marking the first time a Republican has held this position since 1933. Hailing from Harpers Ferry, Morrisey is not only the first Attorney General from Jefferson County but also a dedicated resident of West Virginia.

As Attorney General, Morrisey has exhibited a strong commitment to combating fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption. Immediately upon taking office, he implemented a transparent policy for hiring outside counsel, resulting in increased accountability and saving the state over $4 million. Furthermore, Morrisey voluntarily returned approximately $18 million to the state, demonstrating his dedication to fiscal responsibility. Through his efforts, he has secured additional funds for state agency clients and consumers, benefiting the people of West Virginia.

In 2014, Morrisey urged the West Virginia Legislature to conduct comprehensive audits and performance reviews of state agencies to ensure the proper use

E. Gordon Gee: Leading West Virginia University

Dr. E. Gordon Gee, currently serving his second term as president of West Virginia University, is a distinguished leader in higher education with over three decades of experience. Recognized by Time magazine as one of the top 10 university presidents in the United States in 2009, he was recently named the nation’s top university president by Great Value Colleges. Gee’s extensive career includes presidencies at The Ohio State University (twice), Vanderbilt University, Brown University, and the University of Colorado.

Hailing from Vernal, Utah, Gee earned an honors degree in history from the University of Utah. He furthered his education at Columbia University, obtaining J.D. and Ed.D. degrees. Before embarking on his journey in higher education, Gee served as a clerk under Chief Justice David T. Lewis of the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. He also had the privilege of working as a judicial fellow and staff assistant to Chief Justice

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Senator Shelley Moore Capito: A Dedicated Voice for West Virginia

Shelley Moore Capito, a Republican, was elected by the people of West Virginia to serve as a U.S. Senator in 2014, and she was re-elected in 2020. Making history as the first female Senator from West Virginia, Capito secured an impressive victory in 2020, winning over 70 percent of the vote and carrying all 55 counties. This surpassed her previous record set in 2014 when she won over 62 percent of the vote and carried all counties.

With a strong background in public service, Capito represented West Virginia’s Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives for 14 years. Prior to that, she served in the West Virginia House of Delegates for four years. Determined to be an even stronger advocate for her state, Capito ran for Senate, aiming to restore order to a Senate hindered by gridlock. She firmly believes that bipartisan solutions and cooperation across party lines are

Andrew “Mac” Warner: A Dedicated Leader Safeguarding West Virginia’s Democracy

Andrew “Mac” Warner proudly serves as West Virginia’s 30th Secretary of State, currently in his second term. With a background in the military, law, and international experience, Secretary Warner has made significant contributions to ensuring the integrity of elections and facilitating business registration processes.

Secretary Warner graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and obtained his law degree from the West Virginia University College of Law. He also pursued advanced legal studies at the University of Virginia Law School and the Army’s Judge Advocate General’s School.

During his 23-year career in the United States Army, Secretary Warner served in various roles across the globe. He played important roles in military operations, including participating in the capture and transfer of suspected war criminals. His diverse experience includes serving as an artilleryman, prosecutor, defense counsel, command adviser, and law instructor. Notably, he served as the Chief of International Law for the

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

From Coast to Coast: Jamie Summerlin’s Inspiring Journey of Honor and Impact

Embarking on a remarkable journey on March 26, 2012, Jamie Summerlin, a dedicated veteran of the US Marine Corps, set out on an extraordinary mission. His goal was two-fold: to pay tribute to our Military and Veterans while raising funds for Operation Welcome Home, a West Virginia-based veteran’s facility he co-founded in 2012. Starting from the scenic Coos Bay, Oregon, Jamie ran tirelessly across the nation, covering a staggering distance of 3,452 miles. Over the course of 100 days, enduring 10 pairs of running shoes, his resolute spirit impacted countless lives along the way. Ultimately, he triumphantly concluded his expedition in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, etching his name as the 48th person in history to complete a genuine Ocean to Ocean run across America.

Today, Jamie Summerlin assumes the role of CEO at Guidon Creative, an esteemed events management and promotion company renowned for its expertise in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Offering comprehensive