Officers beginning January 1, 2023, thru December 31, 2024
- President – Mark Chandler
- Vice President – Angela Swearingen
- 2nd Vice President – Mark Morgan
- Secretary – Alissa Stewart-Sparks
- Parliamentarian – Bob Alexander
Members
Chuck Abbott – Elected Member ’19
Vice President and General Manager
Steel of West Virginia, Inc.
PO Box 2547
Huntington, WV 25726
(T) 304-696-8217
cabbott@swvainc.com
Chuck Abbott is a University of Cincinnati graduate with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He attended Marshall University where he received his Masters of Business Administration and is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society.
His career at Steel of West Virginia began as a Co-op student in the Plant Engineering Department. His various roles at Steel of West Virginia have included: Engineering Manager responsible for all capital projects proposals and installations, Mill Services Manager responsible for all new product design and existing product improvements, Special Sections Rolling Mill Manager responsible for the production and quality of special sections produced, and currently the V.P. and General Manager of Steel of West Virginia, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Steel Dynamics Inc. This final role is responsible for all four business units within Steel of West Virginia, Inc. which are SWVA, Inc., Marshall Steel Inc., Steel Ventures Inc., and SWVA Kentucky LLC. I owe my success to my wife of 28 years, Teresa, who has allowed me to dedicate the enormous amount of time necessary at Steel of West Virginia by being by my side and managing our household and two children. The solid educational experiences at the University of Cincinnati and Marshall University have also provided many of the fundamentals necessary to succeed.
Dr. Robert Alexander – Elected Honorary HOF ’02
Distinguished Professor of Management
Former Dean Lewis College of Business
205 Alexander Place
Hurricane, WV 25526
(T) 304-562-7397 (F) 304-696-6013
silvergrow3455@gmail.com
Dr. Bob Alexander, an Air Force veteran of the Korean War, (serving under General MacArthur, Van Fleet and Ridgeway) entered Marshall in 1953 and served as Student Body President. He earned a B.A. in History and Business Principles from Marshall in 1957, an M.A. in Educational Administration from Marshall in 1960, and a Ph.D. in Business Administration Education from Ohio University in 1969.He was employed at Marshall for 44 years until his retirement as Professor Emeritus in 2003. Over the course of his career at Marshall, he served as the first Director of Placement (received Distinguished service Award, served as parliamentarian, treasurer, and editor of the newsletter, “Scoop” for The Southern College of Placement Association, as Director of the M.B.A. program, as Chair of the Department of Management, and as Dean of the College of Business. In 1991, he was granted the title of Distinguished Professor of Management in the Elizabeth McDowell Lewis College of Business. In 1993, he traveled under a CIBER grant to Japan, Hong Kong, China and Singapore to study economic development. He served for sixteen years on the Huntington City Council, including one term as Mayor. He is a former President of the Marshall Alumni Association and of the West Virginia Municipal League; and he was the First Vice President of the Tri-State Airport Authority. Among numerous honors, Dr. Alexander is the recipient of the M.U. Alumni Association’s Community Service Award, the American Legion Civic Improvement Award, and the WV Municipal League’s Outstanding Service Award. He was twice selected as the Teacher of the Year in his college and was elected to the Lewis College of Business Hall of Fame, to the City of Huntington Wall of Fame, and the Milton High School Hall of Fame. He was an exchange professor at Universidad Antoio de Nebrija in Madrid, Spain, and was selected for the Faculty Service Award in 1998. Dr. Alexander is a member of Beta Sigma Gamma and was chosen as the West Virginia Tree Farmer of the Year in 1990. Also, in 1990 he was named a Drinko Fellow. Dr. Alexander was appointed by three governors to the Forest Management Review Commission Legislative Interim Commission where he served more than 20 years. He owns and operates a 315-acre farm in Mason County and a 20-acre farm and orchard in Putnam County. His resume also includes several association presentations and publications.
David R. Beauregard – Elected Member ’16
Senior Finance & Operations Executive
Monument Square Advisors, LLC
1209 Byrd Avenue, Suite 100
Richmond, Virginia 23226
Phone – 804-334-3685
E-mail: dbeauregard282@gmail.com
A successful track record in financial and operations management, market expansion, organizational development, acquisition integrations, financial reorganization, capital deployment, health policy development, physician collaboration and compliance oversight. Offers advanced leadership and business skills as developed through roles as the President and CEO of ConsiCare, Inc., a wholly-owned Physician subsidiary of NCRIC (NCRI:NASDAQ), as a senior manager at Ernst & Young Healthcare with primary responsibilities for Academic Medical Centers and their need for financial and market strategies and at Charter Medical Corporation (CM: AMEX), as a member of the Corporate Finance team and as the CFO of Charter’s flagship hospital, Stuart Circle.
Considered a subject matter expert by healthcare management and private equity investors. Leverages industry knowledge, leadership, innovation, and technology to increase revenue, improve operating processes, reduce costs, minimize risk, and increase shareholder value. Supports a culture of ethical business practices, superior performance, individual responsibility, entrepreneurial innovation and a “patient first” mindset.
Darrin L. Bird – Elected Member ’16
General Manager – Special Metals Corp.
3200 Riverside Drive
Huntington, WV 25705-1771
(T) 304-654-1798
dbird@specialmetals.com
Mr. Bird has over 30 years’ experience in the manufacturing of super alloys for aerospace, oil & gas, marine, and industrial applications. He is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in Manufacturing engineering and an MBA from Marshall University. Beginning with brief stints of work with the U.S. Navy and the Army Corps of Engineers, he continued his career in manufacturing with Inco Alloys in Huntington, WV which is now a part of the Precision Castparts Corporation (PCC). After numerous leadership positions with the facility in Huntington, Mr. Bird has served as the General Manager of a number of other PCC sites including ones in Grafton, MA, Tunica, MS, and Hereford, England. Currently, he serves as the Director of Engineering and Operation Excellence for the Special Metals group within PCC. In this role, he works with General Managers of plant operations on financial, operational, and organization improvements utilizing the PCC management toolbox. In addition to this work, Mr. Bird serves on the board of the Marshall University College of Business and on the Virginia Tech Engineering Schools Council of 100.
Mark A. Chandler – Elected Member HOF ’10
Sr. Vice President & CFO
Highlands Drilling LLC
Carina Energy LLC
900 Virginia Street East
Charleston, WV 25301
(T) 304-380-0111 (F) 304-380-0149
(C) 304-546-3837
mark.chandler@highlandsdrilling.com
Mark A. Chandler currently serves as the Vice President of the College of Business Advisory Board. He is a 1982 graduate of Marshall University, receiving his BBA in Accounting with Magna Cum Laude honors. Since that time, Mark has worked as a practicing CPA and owner of various oil & natural gas companies. He is currently is a co-founder, SVP & CFO of Highlands Drilling LLC, located in Charleston, West Virginia. He is a member of the West Virginia Society of CPAs, having served for years as a Board member and Past President. He is also a member of the American Institute of CPAs and has served on their national Governing Council and Nominating Committee. Mark currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Charleston Area Medical Center Board of Trustees, as well as its Finance Committee Chair. Other community involvement includes the Marshall University Foundation (current Board member and past Chairman), United Way of Central West Virginia (past Board Chair), the Buckskin Council of the Boy Scouts of America (current Board member and past President), the Marshall University Research Corporation (past Board member), and the Tri-County YMCA (past Board Chair). In 2010, Mark was inducted into the Marshall University College of Business Hall of Fame.
Jim Datin – Elected Member ’12 HOF ’18
Operating Partner with GHO Capital
Former CEO of BioAgilytix Labs
2300 Englert Drive, Suite K
Durham, NC 27713
(T) 919-287-1557 (F) 919-287-1557
jdatin01@gmail.com
Jim Datin began his career in the Life Sciences and Technology industries 30+ years ago. His experience includes serving as a three-time CEO and executive roles living in Europe, Asia, Canada and the United States.
He has completed over 40 M&A transactions and served on more than 20 Board of Director roles with both private and public companies.
Jim has led or been involved in several successful exits. Most recently with BioAgilytix where he was hired as employee number 49 and led the company to record growth surpassing 1,100 employees. BioAgilytix was recently sold for over $3 billion.
Jim is currently serving as an Operating Partner with GHO Healthcare, headquartered in London and serves on the following Board of Directors:
- Alcami
- Grenova
- National Association of CEOs
- North Carolina Biotechnology Center / Vice Chairman
- North Carolina Courage (NWSL)
- North Carolina Symphony
- Sapio Sciences / Chairman
Datin is a graduate of Marshall University (BBA), University of New Haven Executive MBA and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania with an Advanced Management Degree.
His passions include family, adventure travel with a purpose, philanthropy, wine, food, golf, investing, and mentoring others to exceed their dreams.
Caryn Foster Durham – Elected Member ’11
Managing Partner/Principal
Charles Ryan Associates
1900-A East Franklin Street
Richmond, VA 23223
(T) 804-237-1391 (C) 804-405-0943
cdurham@charlesryan.com
Michael J. Emerson – Elected Member ‘22
Steel Executive (Retired) & Business Consultant
130 Edison Drive
Huntington, WV 25705
(T) 304-633-7835
memerson@huntingtonsteel.com
Carol Hartley – Elected Member ’92 HOF ’16
Vice President Wealth Management (retired)
1411 Ravinia Rd.
Charleston, WV 25314
(T) 304-343-9669 (C) 304-541-9669
caroljhartley@aol.com
Joe Holley – Elected Member ’17 HOF ’18
Executive Vice President
Jabo Supply Corporation
P.O. Box 238
Huntington, WV 25707
(T) 304-736-8333 (F) 301-736-8551
jtholley@jabosupply.com
Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Joseph Thomas Holley is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member for his contributions in the Industrial Piping Supply Industry. Mr. Holley, a distinguished figure in the industrial piping supply sector, continues to demonstrate unparalleled expertise and dedication in business management and public accounting. With over five decades of experience, Mr. Holley’s leadership has been instrumental in driving growth and success for Jabo Supply Corporation.
As the steward of Jabo Supply Corporation, Mr. Holley oversees critical aspects of the business, including financial statement preparation, tax management, and fraud examination. His astute management and strategic acumen have positioned the company as a trusted provider in the regional industrial pipingsupply market.
Mr. Holley’s academic background is a testament to his commitment to excellence. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Marshall University in 1968 and pursued law studies at West Virginia University. Furthermore, Mr. Holley holds several prestigious certifications, including chartered global management accountant, certified public accountant, certified information technology professional, and certification in financial forensics.
Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Holley has been recognized for his outstanding public service and professional achievements. He received the Medal of Exceptional Public Service from the Secretary of Defense and was honored as Ombudsman of the Year by the United States Department of Defense. In 2008, he was inducted into the Marshall Lewis College of Business Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring legacy in the industry.
Mr. Holley’s unwavering commitment to excellence extends beyond his professional endeavors. He has dedicated himself to various volunteer roles, including serving on the IRS Taxpayer Advocacy Panel and as a member of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve committee. Looking ahead, Mr. Holley is poised to achieve remarkable milestones for Jabo Supply Corporation. With current revenue standing at $48 million, he is confident in reaching the company’s sales target of $50 million. His philosophy of persistent efforts and determination underscores his vision for continued growth and success in the industrial piping supply industry.
Sean Hornbuckle – Elected Member ‘22
Financial Advisor
Edward Jones
949 3rd Avenue, #1000
Huntington, WV 25701
(T) 681-378-3901
Seanhornbuckle@gmail.com
Sean Hornbuckle is the son of Patricia and the late Moses Hornbuckle. During High School he lettered in Basketball and Football, while being in French Honorary, the National Society of Scholars, and was part of the first class of the Promise Scholarship recipients as well as Marshall’s Outstanding Black Scholar Society. While in undergrad at Marshall University Sean majored in Sports Management and Marketing earning his degree Magna Cum Laude. He also welcomed his pride and joy to the world, his son Tristan. Sean then became Student Body President and Mr. Marshall while earning his MBA. He is now a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones and recently became the states first ever African-American floor leader as House Minority Leader while representing the 25th District of the West Virginia Legislature. In 2023 Sean was an Inaugural Inductee into Marshall’s Black Alumni Hall of Fame. He serves as Minority Chair of the Education Committee and also serves on Small Business Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Committee. Sean is very active in the community on various boards and involved in youth leagues. In 2019 Sean partnered with former Councilwoman Sandra Clements to help form the Fairfield Community Development Corporation. Outside of his son, his biggest passion is basketball where he has been a coach for different organizations since he was 18 years old. Sean started his own program in 2014, the West Virginia Wild winning YBOA Nationals (Orlando, FL) in second grade then climbing the mountain again in July 2019 winning USBA Nationals in Raleigh, North Carolina as sixth graders. This past summer he captured another championship for Team Mayo 2025 at Big Shots Nationals in their Platinum Division.
Ross Johnson – Elected Member ’10
President, Mountain State Insurance Agency, Inc.
1206 Kanawha Blvd. E.
Charleston, WV 25301
(T) 304-720-1998 (C) 304-542-7998
rjohnson@mountainstateinsurance.com
Ross Johnson is a native of Madison, Boone County, WV was educated in public schools and graduated from Marshall University in 1985 with a Bachelors of Business Administration in Finance with Insurance Option. Upon graduation Ross entered the insurance business and has specialized in commercial property & casualty and contract surety bonds since that time. Ross holds the Certified Insurance Counselor designation from The National Alliance for Insurance Education and is also a graduate William J. Angell Surety School sponsored by the National Association of Surety Bond Producers. Ross is a former president of the Independent Insurance Agents of WV and was a national director of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America. Ross is the only two time recipient of the IIAWV Agent of the Year recognition.
In 2000 Ross acquired a controlling interest in Mountain State Insurance Agency, an agency that has been privately owned in the Kanawha Valley since 1917. In 2009 Ross became the sole owner. Since 2000 MSIA has grown from a single office with 3 FTE’s to 26 insurance professionals with offices in Charleston and Huntington. The agency has been recognized as Best Practices Agency, a prestigious honor conferred upon less than 400 agencies nationally. MSIA specializes in commercial contractors and energy related businesses.
Martha M. (Shellie) Kelly – Elected Member ’12
Financial Management Analyst
Department of the Army
608 Tartan Way
Enterprise, AL 36330
(T) 334-475-4446 (C) 301-919-6174
Martha.M.Kelly2.civ@mail.mil
Calvin A. Kent – Elected Honorary HOF ’15
Former Dean, Lewis College of Business
75 Sycamore Drive 171
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
(T) 304-634-8299
kentc@marshall.edu
After 26 years at Marshall, Cal retired in 2019. He was the longest serving Dean of the Lewis College of Business (1993-2003) During that period the LCOB obtain initial and AACSB Accreditation of both its undergraduate and graduate programs. Cal also served as Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research and as one of MU’s Vice Presidents. Currently he is an emeritus professor in the LCOB. Prior to Marshall University he served in the Bush 41 Administration as an Assistant Secretary and Administrator of the Energy Information Administration in the U.S. Department of Energy. Before Washington he was Herman Lay Professor of Private Enterprise and started Baylor University’s Center for Entrepreneurship. He is an internationally recognized authority and award-winning author on taxation. Teaching and speaking assignments have taken him to 13 foreign nations and most US states. His PhD. Is from University of Missouri-Columbia with post graduate studies at Virginia, Chicago, and Princeton Theological Seminary. Both he, his wife and two daughters hold Baylor University degrees.
Shahin Mafi – Elected Member ’11
Founder and CEO
Home Health Connection
PO Box 59310
Potomac, MD 20859
(T) 301-781-0112
shahindmafi@aol.com
Tony Martin – Elected Member ’11
Corporate Director of Operations (retired)
State Electric Supply Company
4045 Blue Sulphur Rd,
Ona, WV 25545
(C) 304-644-6946
commodoremartin39@gmail.com
Commodore Anthony E. Martin Commodore Martin is a native of Huntington, WV. He graduated from Barboursville High School in 1977, took classes at Marshall University and West Virginia Tech where he was an engineering major. Upon enlisting in the Navy, he completed his studies and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources and Business Management from New York’s New School for Social Research. He was selected from over 5000 applicants to attend the U.S. Navy’s Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI where he received his Commission as an Ensign. He graduated with honors. He later was selected and attended the Naval War College in Newport, RI from 1999-2000, where he received a Master’s degree in International Affairs and Strategic Studies.
Commodore Martin spent 31 years on active duty, 27 of which were spent at sea. During his career he was a Plank Owner and part of the crew who commissioned the USS Alabama (SSBN 731), a nuclear submarine. He served on USS John L. Hall (FFG 32) and USS Spruance (DD 963). He was the Executive Officer of the USS Underwood (FFG 36) and as a Commander, served on the USS Enterprise Flag Staff when 9/11 occurred. The Enterprise Battlegroup led the first strikes into Afghanistan. He directed 1003 sorties into Afghanistan. Tony took command of USS Doyle (FFG 39), in 2003 and worked with UN peacekeeping forces to ensure the safety of the Mediterranean region. During his command, USS Doyle travelled over 41,000 nautical miles. He served as Deputy Commander of the Southeast Region Maintenance Center in Mayport, FL for 3 years and as Commodore he commanded the forward deployed squadron Maritime Preposition Ships Squadron TWO (MPSRON 2) who’s territory encompassed the Arabian Gulf, Indian Ocean, Red Sea and South China Sea.
Commodore Martin is highly decorated, earning 27 individual medals with his most senior medal being the prestigious Legion of Merit. During his time in the Navy, he has visited 98 different countries and acted as an ambassador for his country through his position as a US Naval Officer.
Upon retiring from naval service in 2010, Commodore Martin returned home to serve his community and state with a goal of trying to “make West Virginia better.” He realized that West Virginians are some of the hardest working and best people in the world. He regularly speaks to students to encourage them to use their drive and work ethic to achieve their potential; going so far as starting a mentorship program at Cabell Midland High school to link students with people in their field of interest who can give them guidance on how to achieve success in that field. He also taught classes as an adjunct professor in Corporate Risk Management at the Lewis College of Business, Marshall University.
He is a past President of Barboursville Rotary Club where he increased membership by 70% through the energy and commitment he demonstrated. These actions further led to him serving as Membership Chair then Assistant Governor for WV Rotary.
Commodore Martin is a member of the Lewis College of Business Advisory Board, where he spent 2 years as Vice-President and 5 years as President. During his time as President, he helped raise over $770,000 for the College, selected a new Dean, and began the project of building the new Business School. He has a passion for the Lewis College of Business that he is glad to share with anyone. He sees and understands how important the College is to the future of not only Marshall University and the surrounding area, but through contributions of its students, our state, our nation and the world.
Commodore Martin has also lent his talents to Mountwest Community and Technical College where he served on the Board of Governors for 8 years; Cabell Huntington Hoops Children’s Hospital where he was a Foundation Board member for 9 years; and served as Chairman of the KYOVA Goodwill Board. He served Cabell County for the past 10 years as the President of the Cabell County Planning Commission.
Commodore Martin is married to Emily Catherine (Surriitt) of Coal Grove, Ohio. They currently reside in Ona, WV.
Keith May – Elected Member ’19
CEO
IVS Group, Inc.
1439 First Avenue South
Nitro, WV 25143
(T) 304-768-4307 (C) 304-206-4769
keith.may@ivsgroup.com
Keith T. May is a native of Kenova, WV, and graduated Cum Laude from Marshall University with a BBA- Accounting in 1985. He currently, he serves as the Chairman, CEO President of IVS Group, Inc. in Nitro, WV. IVS is a 52% Employee-Owned holding company for a group of 3 specialty contracting companies performing work in: Industrial Service- High-pressure water blasting Vac Work; Hydrodemolition- removal and repair of concrete on bridges structures with ultra-high-pressure water; High performance concrete supplier, placement & finisher, Environmental services, Dredging, Silo Inspection, Cleaning Repair; and Commercial Diving Video Inspection.
Prior to joining IVS, Mr. May began his professional career with Ernst Young CPA firm where he obtained his CPA certification in 1987. Following his tenure in public accounting, he spent 22 years with two manufacturing companies (Corbin Ltd. and Peerless Block Brick Co.) in financial and executive management roles. He became President of Peerless Block Brick Co. in 2006, where he remained until he joined IVS Group, Inc. in 2011.
He is involved in the industry and community serving on various committees of the Contractor’s Association of WV, the WV Manufacturers Association, Board of Directors of the Chemical Alliance Zone, the Board Executive Committee of the Marshall University Big Green Scholarship Foundation, and the Marshall Champions Advisory Board, in addition to the Marshall University Lewis College of Business Advisory Board. Mr. May is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, West Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (WVSCPA) and the Charleston Chapter of the WVSCPA.
Keith and his wife, Summer, have 6 children and are the proud “Pop Pop” and “Mum Mum” to 5 wonderful grandchildren. They reside in Winfield, WV.
P. Sean Mayberry – Elected Member ’09
Executive Director
Lanham O’Dell Company, Inc.
3981 Teays Valley Road
PO Box 537
Hurricane, WV 25526
(T) 304-757-8131 (T) 800-345-5350
sean@lanhamodell.com
Mark Morgan – Elected Member ’18
Vice President of Physician Services
Marshall Health Network
5170 US Route 60 East
Huntington, WV 25705
(T) 304-399-4600, 4403 (F) 304-697-0856
markmorgan@uhswv.com
Mark is a graduate of Marshall University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He achieved his CPA certification while working with Trainer, Wright & Paterno, where he served in the audit department and became Partner in the firm in 2003.
He left public accounting in 2007 to become the Chief Administrative Officer with Ultimate Health Services where he served as Interim CEO from April 2008 to November 2008. Subsequently he was appointed as Chief Administrative & Financial Officer. In January 2014 he was appointed as CEO. In early 2020, HIMG announced the acquisition of substantially all of its assets by St. Mary’s Medical Center, which was consummated on September 1, 2020. He now services as COO of St. Mary’s Medical Management/HIMG and Vice-President of Physician Services for Marshall Health Network.
Mark serves as a Past President of the State of West Virginia Medical Group Management Association and is a member of the MGMA, HFMA, AICPA, West Virginia Society of CPAs, and the Huntington Chapter of West Virginia Society of CPAs, and the AICPA – National Healthcare Advisory Board. He is a member of the 2017 Class of Leadership West Virginia. He was awarded the 2017 Distinguished Alumni of the Lewis College of Business at Marshall University. He also received the 2017 “Outstanding CPA in Business & Industry” from the West Virginia Society of CPAs.
His civic activities include boards of HADCO and Wayne County EDA. He serves as a member of the Board of Society of Yeager Scholars for Marshall University and a is a member of the Executive Committee of the Advisory Board for the Lewis College of Business at Marshall University. He is also a member of the Board of Governors for Mountwest Community & Technical College
He currently resides in Barboursville, West Virginia, with his wife Michelle; they have 3 children and 2 grandchildren.
Norman Mosrie – Elected Member
Partner
Forvis Mazars, LLP
Assurance // Healthcare
Charleston, WV
P: 304.414.3913 | F: 304.343.1895
A certified healthcare financial professional with more than 35 years of experience, Norman has been involved with providing a wide variety of audit and business advisory services to clients. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Forvis Mazars Healthcare Committee.
His significant healthcare experience, including previous service as a partner for a Big 4 firm, includes financial reporting, acquisition due diligence, corporate compliance, process analysis, Uniform Guidance auditing and reporting requirements and third-party reimbursement for various types of healthcare entities, including academic medical centers, community hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, physician practices, radiology groups and research organizations. He also has significant experience with private equity firms, including portfolio company audits and mergers and acquisitions due diligence.
With his participation on the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Healthcare Expert Panel (past chair), the HFMA Principles and Practices Board (chair), and GFOA Special Review Committee, Norman is actively involved in accounting, financial reporting and other matters impacting the healthcare and not-for-profit industries. Norman has developed and led healthcare training programs at the local, regional, and national levels. He is an HFMA Founders Medal of Honor and Speaker of the Year award recipient.
Norman is actively involved with many community organizations including Rotary, Past President and a Paul Harris Fellow, Past President and current Board Member for Marshall University College of Business Advisory Board and a Board Member for the Marshall University Foundation.
Norman is a summa cum laude graduate of Marshall University with a Bachelor of Accounting degree.
John F. Rahal – Elected Member ‘22
General Partner
Edward Jones
12826 Toppings Manor Drive
St. Louis, MO 63131-1816
(T): 314-515-5587
John.Rahal@edwardjones.com
john.rahal@att.net
Edward Jones Principal John Rahal of Firm Transformation is responsible for anticipating and identifying roles, capabilities and strategies to enable the firm to transform toward its vision of improving the lives of clients, their families and their communities. His work includes helping design innovative experiences that enable branch teams to work more efficiently while improving client service.
John joined Edward Jones in 1997 as a financial advisor in Portsmouth, Ohio. He served as a regional leader for parts of Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio and West Virginia. In 2007 John was named a principal of the firm and relocated to the firm’s St. Louis head- quarters to join Financial Advisor Training. In this role, he helped veteran financial advisors increase productivity and improve client satisfaction.
In 2011, John was asked to create the firm’s Financial Advisor Talent Acquisition department, which is responsible for attracting, sourcing, hiring and onboarding financial advisors. In 2016, he assumed responsibility for Market Opportunity Strategy, which focuses on piloting new growth strategies and growing market share. He served on the Edward Jones Management Committee from 2012 through 2017 and led Branch Team Performance and Motivation from 2018 through 2020. He assumed his current role in 2021.
John has served on numerous boards of several St. Louis nonprofit and charitable organizations. He currently serves on the board of Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, which provides medical care to children, helping bridge the gap between traditional hospital treatment and home, regardless of the family’s ability to pay for care.
A native of West Virginia, John earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Marshall University in Huntington, W.V., and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He is a former CPA and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School’s Securities Industry Institute.
James Rorrer – Elected Member
Honorary for Life in ‘02
Managing Director (Retired)
Capital Advisory Group
Richmond, VA
302 11th Avenue
Huntington, WV 25701
(C) 804-370-1040
jimrorrer@gmail.com
Mr. Rorrer retired from a career in investments in 2014 as a partner and Managing Director of Capital Advisory Group, an institutional investment consulting firm in Richmond, VA providing consulting services to fiduciaries of foundations, endowments and corporate retirement plans.
Mr. Rorrer was appointed as an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Lewis College of Business Advisory Board in 2002 and currently serves on the Marshall University Big Green Scholarship Foundation Board. In addition, he serves as Vice Chair of the Huntington Water Quality Board, member of the City of Huntington Foundation Board, Vice Chair of the board of The Woodlands Retirement Community and Vice Chair of the Southside Alliance board. Previously, Mr. Rorrer served on the boards of the Marshall University Foundation and the Huntington Municipal Development Authority. In addition, he served as Interim Co-Director of the Brad D. Smith Business Incubator at Marshall University with responsibility for launching the program, which focused on helping entrepreneurs access world class support from the Marshall University Lewis College of Business (LCOB), RCBI and the LCOB iCenter to support and advance innovative business startups.
John Rulli – Elected Member HOF ’02
Chief Administrative Officer
Executive Vice President
Simon Property Group, Inc.
225 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(T) 317-636-1600 (F) 817-263-2318
jrulli@simon.com
John Rulli is currently Chief Administrative Officer of Simon Property Group, Inc. He has held numerous positions and has been instrumental in leading the integration of acquisitions since the company went public in 1993, including DeBartolo, CPI, IBM, New England Development Company, Prime Outlets and The Mills portfolios. Mr. Rulli’s expertise is in organization development and operations and he has been instrumental in managing the operations of the real estate business. He has been a key member of the Simon Property Group management team for over 30 years.
Prior to joining Simon, Mr. Rulli served as Vice President of Human Resources and Administration for Meret, Inc. As a member of the executive committee, he was also responsible for developing and implementing strategic business initiatives for the company. He has held various positions over a seven-year period with Lazarus, a division of Federated Department stores, in Human Resources and Administration.
Mr. Rulli is on the advisory board for Marshall University-Lewis College of Business and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2006. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Marshall University and attended graduate school at Ohio State University.
Mr. Rulli and his wife, Jennifer, have 4 children and currently reside in Carmel, Indiana.
Todd Shell – Elected Member
Chief Investment Officer
Guyan International
1511 McCoy Road
Huntington, WV 25701
(T) 304-529-2885 (F) 304-529-7676
(C) 304-544-5501
philiptoddshell@gmaill.com
Richard L. Slater – Elected Member HOF ’19
Managing Principal Services and Growth
Kaufman Rossin
One Town Center Road Suite 400
Boca Raton, FL 33486
(T) 561-620-3486 (C) 304-545-8013
rslater@kaufmanrossin.com
Richard L. Slater, a noted CPA, is a corporate consultant and managing principal of Kaufman Rossin’s Services & Growth. He spent 16 years as a managing partner and member of the management team of a top 20 national firm, and he has 30 years of tax and business consulting experience. Slater has served in strategic advisory capacities for numerous clients involved in mergers and acquisitions, capital structuring, tax restructuring plans, business incentives and grants, public/private development plans, and state and local taxation. He has also worked with many companies in entity selection, raising capital, and research and development spending in the area of health sciences and state taxation. Slater serves on the Marshall University Foundation Board of Trustees and the Lewis College of Business Executive Advisory Board, of which he previously was president. A licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Slater is the Past Chairman of the West Virginia Roundtable and currently serves as a gubernatorial appointment as the Vice Chair to the Governor of the State Economic Development Authority. Mr. Slater was recently inducted into the Marshall University Business Hall of Fame in 2019.
Alissa Stewart Sparks, CE – Elected Member
Executive Director
Goodwill Industries of KYOWVA Area, Inc.
1102 Memorial Blvd.
Huntington, WV 25701
(C) 304-412-1490
astewart@goodwillhunting.org
Alissa Stewart Sparks is a visionary leader in the nonprofit world, currently serving as the President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of KYOWVA Area, Inc. since July 2013. With over 25 years of experience in driving transformative change and championing impactful initiatives, she is known for her results-oriented approach and passion for community empowerment.
Before joining Goodwill, Alissa led the Mature Worker Programs at Southwestern Community Action Council, Inc., where she set an unprecedented national record—achieving the highest job placement rate in the country for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Senior Community Service Employment Program for seven out of her eight years there. Her ability to innovate and inspire change in workforce development is unmatched.
As a believer in lifelong learning, Alissa is a National Career Development Facilitator, Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner, Associate Professional in Human Resources, Certified Networker, and Certified Executive through Goodwill Industries International. Her leadership extends beyond Goodwill, actively shaping the landscape on both local and national levels. She sits on numerous boards and committees, including the Executive Committee of Marshall University’s Lewis College of Business Advisory Board and the Region Two Workforce Investment Board. She is the past President of the Huntington Rotary Club, current Vice-President of the Tri-State Society of Human Resource Managers, and is on the Teubert Interagency Council for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Alissa’s commitment to innovation continues with her roles on Goodwill Industries International’s Sustainability Committee, Emerging Trends CEO Taskforce and as recent Chair of the Mid-Atlantic Goodwill Industries Coalition. Currently, she serves as Vice-Chair of the Executive Council on the Goodwill Industries International Board of Directors and is the Chair of the Association Liaison Committee.
A proud alumnus of Marshall University with a Bachelor of Arts in Counseling and Rehabilitation, Alissa is a dedicated mother of five, an avid strength training enthusiast, and has completed four indoor Ironman competitions.
Angela Swearingen – Elected Member ’11
Chief Operating Officer
St. Mary’s Medical Center
2900 First Avenue
Huntington, WV 25702
(T) 304-526-1234
Angela.swearingen@st-marys.org
Becoming a daughter of Marshall in 1992, Angela D. Swearingen graduated from Marshall University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. Her career path in Health Care began a year after graduation, at St. Francis Hospital with an opportunity to transfer to Raleigh General Hospital, and then take her first CFO position at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center at the age of 29. She accepted her first regional position in Hilton Head SC as the CFO of 2 hospitals. After 2 years in SC, like so many native to WV, in 2010 she came home to accept the system CFO position of Pallottine Health Services comprised of two hospitals: St. Mary’s Medical Center and St Joseph’s Hospital (Buckhannon). In 2014 she was recognized by West Virginia Executive magazine as a “Young Gun” next generation leader who have accomplished great things through their careers both in the business world and in their communities. Swearingen continued her education at Marshall University by obtaining a Master of Science focused in Health Care Administration/Management in 2017. In 2018 St. Mary’s Medical Center was acquired by Cabell Huntington Hospital to form Marshall Health Network. Currently Swearingen is the COO for St. Mary’s Medical Center, leading the operational activities of St. Mary’s Medical Center (2022). In addition to serving on the LCOB Advisory Board, she also serves on several local and state boards including PROACT, Keith Albee, Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce, and West Virgnia Hospital Association. Angela lives in Ona, WV with her husband Ron, and their two children Trey and Chase.
Monte Ward – Elected Member
Vice President of Finance
Cabell Huntington Hospital
1340 Hal Greer Blvd.
Huntington, WV 25701
(T) 304-526-2055 (F) 304-526-2008
mward@chhi.org
Monte Ward has served as the chief financial officer for Marshall Health Network since it was formed in 2018. Prior to the new system, he served as the chief executive officer for Cabell Huntington Hospital where he has worked since 1978. In his current role, Mr. Ward is responsible for the financial operations, strategic financial outlook, leadership and performance of the Marshall Health system including its affiliated companies and subsidiaries. He is a CPA, earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Marshall University (West Virginia), a Master of Business Administration from Marshall University, and a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Trinity University (Texas).
Mitchell L. Webb – Elected Member
Executive Director
Huntington City Mission
624 10th Street
Huntington, WV 25701
(T) 304-523-0293 (C)304-962-8477
mwebb@hcmwv.org
Mitch Webb is the Executive Director for the Huntington City Mission.
Mitch enjoyed a 35 year career at State Electric Supply Company. He started in the warehouse loading trucks but grew into many other positions including purchasing, branch manager, and for 11 years Director of Marketing.
Mitch has a highly versatile background. He has served as pastor for local churches, recruited, raised funds, and led many third world mission trips where the tasks included teaching church leaders, children’s ministries, construction (building churches, a clinic, and repairing roofs), and food distribution. In February of 2015 Mitch became the executive director of the Huntington City Mission. Among the accomplishments at HCM so far are the inception of a faith based recovery program, social enterprise, and expansion of food distribution to address food insecurities in the Huntington area.
Mitch and his wife Bonita enjoy cycling, traveling, and spending time with their two sons: Josh and Adam, and their two granddaughters: Brooke and Hannah.
Kellie Wooten-Willis – Elected Member ’11
Agent and Owner (Retired)
Nationwide Insurance
111 Sayer Circle
Logan, WV 25601
(T) 304-687-7633
Kelliewootenwillis@gmail.com
Kellie Wooten-Willis is a retired Nationwide Insurance Agent/Agency Owner completing twenty years in the insurance industry. Kellie also practiced as a CPA in both public and private accounting. As an active CPA, she maintains membership in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the West Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants. Majoring in accounting, she is a graduate of Marshall University with a BBA. During her retirement, she has remained active in both state and local activities. On the state level, she serves as a board member of the West Virginia Housing Development Fund, on the stewardship committee of the West Virginia Presbytery, and a past board member of the West Virginia Children’s Health Insurance Program. Locally she serves as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Chief Logan Recreational Center, Inc., a member of the Board of Directors of Logan County Chamber of Commerce where she served as a past president, and a board member of the Logan County Development Authority. She is also the past chair of the Board of Trustees of Logan Regional Hospital. Additionally, she is Stewardship Chair of the First Presbyterian Church of Logan. Kellie resides in Logan, WV with her husband, Bart Willis.
Ex-Officio Members
Dr. Ben Eng, Interim Dean
College of Business
(T) 304-696-4320
ben.eng@marshall.edu
Mr. Brad Smith, President
Marshall University
(T) 304-696-2300
bradsmith@marshall.edu
Dr. Avinandan “Avi” Mukherjee, Provost
Marshall University
(T) 304-696-3716
mukherjeea@marshall.edu
Dr. Ron Area, CEO
Marshall University Foundation
(T) 304-696-2826
area@marshall.edu
Glen Midkiff, Chief of Staff
Marshall University
Director, Rahal Center for Strategic Engagement
(T) 304-696-3431
Midkiff2@marshall.edu
Molly Robertson
Office Administrator
College of Business
(T) 304-696-2316
robertsonm@marshall.edu
