Pictured (from left): Dr. Charles H. Polk, Bill Baker, Emmett Pugh, Roy Shrewsbury, Mike Jarrell, Susan Landis, Richard Jarrell, Del. Linda Sumner, Bill Raney, and Dr. William White
Mountain State University's Charles H. Polk School of Leadership and Professional Development celebrated the contributions of five local business leaders during the school's third annual Living Leadership Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, October 6th. The recipients, Bill Baker, Mike Jarrell, Susan Landis, Emmett Pugh and Bill Raney, were all presented with a custom statue and tribute plaque to recognize their innovation and mastery of leadership concepts.
"All organizations need strong leaders," said Dean William H. White. "This event allows us to recognize those who are making a difference in their organizations, their communities and the state of West Virginia."
Bill Baker of Daniels, executive director of the Jobs Foundation, was awarded for Leading in a Climate of Change because of his dedication to the area. He is working to change the face of Beckley and has a clear and positive vision for the community's future. Baker has served the state and demonstrated his ability to effectively lead others through his extensive work in education and the Raleigh County Commission as well as work with organizations such as Forward Southern West Virginia, the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, the Beckley–Raleigh County Convention Center, the Beckley–Raleigh County Transportation Authority, the United Way of Southern West Virginia, Beckley Rotary Club and the Beckley–Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce.
Mike Jarrell of Beckley, president and chief executive officer of the White Oak Group, LLC, was honored for Leading for Results with Resource Acumen because he is results oriented, customer focused and able to effectively capitalize on resources through his business practices and his work in the community. Prior to founding White Oak Group, Jarrell held positions in engineering, marketing, business development and management with Quintana Petroleum, BHP and General Electric Company. He is a trustee of the United Methodist Temple and a member of the board of directors of Raleigh General Hospital, Beckley–Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce and the Boy Scouts of America (Buckskin Council).
Susan Landis of Daniels, executive director of the Beckley Area Foundation, Inc., was presented with the award for Leading Self With Character for demonstrating integrity and courage as she works to better the community. Landis worked as a guidance counselor, English teacher and manager prior to becoming the executive director of the Beckley Area Foundation, Inc. She is active in many organizations including West Virginia Grantmakers, Leave a Legacy and the Council on Foundations. Landis was recognized by President George W. Bush when he visited Beckley, W.Va., in 2004 for her hours of volunteer service exceeding 4,000 lifetime hours.
Emmett Pugh of Beckley, mayor of the city of Beckley, was recognized for Leading across Boundaries and Building Coalitions because of his commitment to the people of Beckley and his support of Mountain State University. Pugh has served as the mayor of the city of Beckley since 1988. He is a member of the National League of Cities, Moose International, NAACP and the West Virginia Municipal League. He has also work with organizations such as the 4-C Economic Development Authority, Beckley Rotary Club, Beckley Renaissance, the United Way of Southern West Virginia and Beckley Little League.
Bill Raney of South Charleston, president of the West Virginia Coal Association, was awarded for Leading Others and Connecting Through Communication because he has been effective in building teams and bringing people together across the state of West Virginia. Raney has served his community, state and country through his work with organizations such as the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, West Virginia Mining and Reclamation Association and the West Virginia Army National Guard. He is also a board member of the West Virginia Business and Industry Council, Ohio–West Virginia YMCA Youth in Government and the West Virginia Kids Count Fund; and vice-chairman of the Boy Scouts of America Buckskin Council Leadership Luncheon.
The Living Leadership Awards were established by MSU's Charles H. Polk School of Leadership and Professional Development in 2008 to honor regional leaders who demonstrate the leadership competencies that shape MSU's leadership programs.
