Conference Begins In
August 3 - 7, 2026
Monday - Friday
Hilton Charleston
Charleston, WV
Tentative Agenda
Golf Registration
Edgewood Country Club
Shotgun Start
Edgewood Country Club
Golfer’s Lunch
Edgewood Country Club
WV Municipal Clerk/Recorders Association Meeting
Embassy Suites Salon E
WV City Management Association Meeting
Embassy Suites Salon D
Committee Meetings
By-Laws – Embassy Suites Conference Room 224
Legislative Policy – Embassy Suites Conference Room 225
Resolutions – Embassy Suites Conference Room 226
Credentials – Embassy Suites Ballroom D
Nominating Committee Meeting
Embassy Suites Charleston Board Room
Mountain State Mingle
Capitol Market, Charleston, WV
Kick off the West Virginia Municipal League Annual Conference at the Mountain State Mingle, a relaxed outdoor welcome reception at Charleston’s historic Capitol Market.
Spend the evening enjoying live music from Charleston favorite Brenna & the Boys, delicious food from Bogey’s, and wine and beer tastings featuring local favorites from the Capitol Market Wine Shop. It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, meet new friends, and experience the hospitality that makes West Virginia communities so special. As a special welcome to the Capital City, each guest will receive a unique West Virginia gift featuring award-winning J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works Caramel Sauce and Artisan Salt.
Attire: Summer Casual – lightweight, comfortable attire suitable for an outdoor summer event. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Transportation: Free parking available at Capitol Market. Complementary trolley service available between Embassy Suites and Capitol Market.
We look forward to welcoming you to Charleston and kicking off a great weekend together!
Wellness Walk
Meet in the Lobby at the Embassy Suites
Begin the day with a walk through downtown Charleston. This relaxed morning stroll offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the Capital City, connect with fellow attendees, and start the day feeling refreshed.
Breakfast
Convention Center Ballroom C
Relax & Recharge Lounge
Convention Center Ballroom Pre-function Area
Registration Open
Convention Center Terrace Level Hallway
Clerks & Recorders Silent Auction
Convention Center Terrace Level Hallway
You never know what treasure you'll find! Browse the Silent Auction, bid on one-of-a-kind items, and enjoy a little friendly competition while supporting the WV Municipal Clerks and Recorders Association.
President's Breakfast (Invitation Only)
Join West Virginia Municipal League (WVML) President and Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler-Goodwin for a welcoming breakfast designed specifically for first-time attendees.
Convention Center Terrace Level Meeting Room 216
Ribbon Cutting: Sponsor Exhibit Hall
Convention Center Ballroom C
Join this year's Exhibit Hall Sponsor, the Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau, and members of the WV Municipal League Executive Committee as we officially welcome attendees to the 2026 Annual Summer Conference with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.
Exhibit Hall Open
Convention Center Ballroom A & B
Visit the Exhibit Hall to meet industry experts, ask questions, discover new solutions, and explore products and services tailored to the needs of local governments. You never know which conversation could lead to your community's next great idea.
Opening General Session
Convention Center Ballroom C
Invocation By: Amber Viars, Chaplin, WVML; Clerk, City of Logan
The Star-Spangled Banner: Capital High School Marching Band
Presiding: Amy Shuler Goodwin, President, WVML; Mayor, City of Charleston
Remarks By: Kevin Kramer, President, National League of Cities
Remarks By: The Thrasher Group
Remarks By: Susan Economou, Executive Director, WVML
Concurrent Workshops:
eThink Space: A Public Art Discussion
Convention Center Terrace Level Meeting Room 213
Public art is powerful tool for storytelling, placemaking, and community engagement. This discussion explores the process of commissioning, funding, maintaining, and promoting public art projects, while highlighting its role in preserving history, celebrating culture, and strengthening community identity.
Moderator: Jeff Pierson, Director, Office of Public Art, City of Charleston
Lori McKinney, Co-Founder & Executive Director, RiffRaff Arts Collective
Sassa Wilkes, Mural Artist and Director of Creative Placemaking, Coalfield Development
LeadHERship: Women Leading Change in the Mountain State
Convention Center Terrace Level Meeting Room 211
Be a part of history as we officially launch West Virginia Women in Municipal Government (WV WIMG). Created to connect, mentor, educate, and empower women serving in municipalities across the state, WV WIMG will provide a statewide network where women can learn from one another, grow as leaders, and build lasting professional relationships—because no woman should have to lead alone.
Conference attendees are invited to become inaugural members of WV WIMG. As a special thank you, the first 25 women to register will receive a complimentary professional headshot by Rafael Barker Photography, one of West Virginia’s premier photographers during the conference.
Artificial Intelligence Demystified
Convention Center Terrace Level Meeting Room 212
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not a new concept. However, recent advancements have brought AI to the forefront of technological discussions with potential to revolutionize the workforce, expand productivity, and transform various aspects of governance. Many officials are excited about AI’s potential to make their cities more efficient, but there are others who worry about the risks of AI with valid concerns like the displacement of workers, public disinformation, and the potential for new cybersecurity and data privacy threats. The National League of Cities’ AI Advisory Committee has worked hard to help local leaders really understand AI, without exaggeration or fearmongering. Hear more about best practices, AI examples in action, and get the facts about artificial intelligence.
David Park, National League of Cities’ Director of Data and Business Analytics and Visiting Fellow at the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University.
Trolley Tasting Tour with James Beard Award-Winning Chef Paul Smith (Guest Lunch & Activities)
Meet in the Lobby of the Convention Center
Experience Charleston one delicious stop at a time aboard this exclusive Trolley Tasting Tour.
Travel to the newly revitalized Elk City, where you’ll enjoy small bites from beloved, family-owned businesses, Elk City Popcorn and Goldenrod Kitchen, while learning how entrepreneurship, historic preservation, and community investment have transformed one of Charleston’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
The tour continues with a private visit to Paulie’s, the newest restaurant from James Beard Award-winning Chef Paul Smith. Sample signature dishes while Chef Paul shares the inspiration behind his award-winning cuisine and the importance of quality ingredients and exceptional hospitality.
Your culinary journey concludes at Caffe Romeo, where Mario, a culinary artist from Italy, will treat guests to handcrafted gelato and share the art of authentic gelato-making.
Whether you’re a devoted foodie or simply enjoy exploring local flavors, this limited-seating experience offers a memorable taste of Charleston’s award-winning culinary scene.
Star-Spangled Lunch
Convention Center Ballroom A & B
Enjoy lunch with our featured guest, Janine Stange, "The National Anthem Girl."
Janine launched a mission to sing the National Anthem in all 50 states-a journey that became the focus of the documentary “National Anthem Girl”. She brings her energy and perspective to our stage with lessons learned on navigating pressure, uncertainty, and constant demands with clarity and intention, and how that translates into practical tools leaders can use immediately to make better decisions when it matters most.
Concurrent Workshops:
The State of our Cities: A Candid Conversation on Successes, Challenges and Solutions
Convention Center Terrace Level Meeting Room 212
Join a panel of West Virginia mayors and city managers for a candid conversation about the realities of leading local government today. Panelists will share their communities’ biggest accomplishments, challenges that tested them the most, and lessons they learned along the way. Attendees will leave with real-world ideas, practical strategies, and proven approaches they can adapt to strengthen their own communities.
Frank Mullens, Mayor, City of South Charleston
Cecil Marson, City Manager, City of Bluefield
Anne Bolyard, Mayor, City of Fairmont
Misty Hill, City Manager, City of Lewisburg
Main Street Magic: Building Vibrant Downtowns Together
Convention Center Terrace Level Meeting Room 213
Every downtown has a story, and every community has the power to write its next chapter. This session will introduce you to the nationally recognized Main Street America program and its proven approach to creating vibrant, resilient downtowns through preservation-based economic development. Hear from directors of successful West Virginia Main Street programs and learn how the “Main Street Approach” can help turn shared vision into lasting impact.
Chris Rizer, Executive Director, Main Street Point Pleasant
Robbie Blair, Executive Director Main Street Martinsburg
Sara Wood-Shaw, Vice-Mayor, City of Moundsville
Lauren Kemp, Executive Director, RenewAll, Huntington
Jennifer Brennan, WV Main Street/ONTRAC Coordinator
Drones, Public Safety, and Readiness
Convention Center Terrace Level Meeting Room 211
As drones become increasingly common in our communities, municipal officials must be prepared to address both their benefits and their risks. Join a multidisciplinary panel of aviation, public safety, law enforcement, and legal professionals for a practical discussion of drone regulations, municipal training opportunities, emergency response applications, and the evolving security landscape. Whether your community is considering its own drone program or simply preparing for the challenges posed by rapidly advancing technology, this session will provide practical insights and an opportunity to ask questions of those working on the front lines.
Dr. James Lanham, Marshall University
James Dodrill, Attorney
Senior Special Agent Dr. Jason Berty, Wheeling Fire Dept. Drone
Program, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Speed Dating with an Architectural and Engineering (A/E) Consultant: Presented by The Thrasher Group
Convention Center Terrace Level Meeting Room 214
Forget the formal presentations. Spend an hour meeting directly with experts in architecture, engineering, environmental services, funding, site development, and more. Rotate through topic stations, discuss real projects and challenges facing your community, and take advantage of the opportunity to gain free insights and practical advice from professionals who tackle these issues every day. Leave with fresh ideas, potential next steps, and new connections to help move your project forward.
Architecture: Craig Baker, Architecture Division Lead
Land Development/Site: Samuel Rich, PLA, Project Manager
Environmental: Sam Wilkes, PWS, LRS, Project Manager Water Resources: Jonathan Carpenter, PE, Water Resources Market Lead
Funding: Clay Riley, PE, Project Manager
General Project Development: Chad Riley, PE, Vice President
Afternoon General Session
Convention Center Ballroom C
Presiding: Jerry Marco, Vice President, WVML; Mayor, City of Elkins
Remarks: Treasurer Larry Pack, West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office
Featured Speaker: Joelle Moray, TEDx Speaker, Bestselling Author, Workplace Wellness Expert
Join TEDx Speaker and workplace systems expert Joelle Moray for an engaging conversation about the hidden systems that shape workplace stress, communication, engagement, and performance—and discover practical strategies for building healthier, more effective organizations.
Break with Exhibitors
Convention Center Ballroom A & B
WV Municipal Attorneys Association Meeting
Embassy Suites Charleston Board Room
The Municipal Midway
City Center at Slack Plaza
After a full day of learning, networking, and tackling the challenges of municipal leadership, unwind at The Municipal Midway— a carnival-themed evening in the heart of Downtown. Enjoy live music by Dalchord, local favorites including JoJo’s Tacos (featured on Food Network’s Carnival-eats) and the Charleston Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association food truck, fresh kettle corn from M.R. Poppins, fresh-squeezed lemonade from Just Drinks, sweet treats, Hillbilly Mountain Ears, and plenty of fun. Capture memories with Betty Booths, a one-of-a-kind photo booth experience, and enjoy entertainment featuring stilt walkers, flame performers, and aerialists.
With your WVML event lanyard, all activities at City Center at Slack Plaza are complimentary. Each attendee will receive beverage tickets to redeem at participating Capitol City Sip-N-Stroll (PODA) locations throughout downtown. A map of participating locations will be provided.
Attire: Summer Casual – lightweight, comfortable attire suitable for an outdoor summer event. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Transportation: Complimentary trolley service available between Embassy Suites and City Center at Slack Plaza.
Reconnect with colleagues, make new connections, and experience an evening of fun, laughter, and Mountain State hospitality. Because while serving your community is serious work, celebrating it should be just as memorable.
Hospitality Room
Embassy Suites Room 231
Pre-Breakfast Walk with Pancake
Meet in the Lobby at the Embassy Suites
Start your day with a guided walk through downtown Charleston with Pancake, the Charleston Fire Department’s arson detection canine. Connect with fellow attendees while learning how this four-legged hero has helped investigators solve more than 20 arson cases.
Enjoy complimentary coffee at Mea Cuppa, located inside Charleston's newly renovated $32 million downtown library—a perfect way to start the day.
Breakfast
Convention Center Ballroom C
Workshop: Data Driven Insights for Local Government Leaders
Convention Center Ballroom C
Understanding public opinion is essential to effective local governance. This interactive session uses live polling to explore trends in public trust, resident priorities, and communication strategies that help local leaders build stronger connections with communities across West Virginia.
Mark Blankenship, President, MBE Enterprises
Clerks & Recorders Silent Auction
Convention Center Terrace Level Hallway
You never know what treasure you'll find! Browse the Silent Auction, bid on one-of-a-kind items, and enjoy a little friendly competition while supporting the WV Municipal Clerks and Recorders Association.
Relax & Recharge Lounge
Convention Center Ballroom Pre-function Area
Registration Open
Convention Center Terrace Hallway
Exhibit Hall Open
Convention Center Ballroom A & B
Visit the Exhibit Hall to meet industry experts, ask questions, discover new solutions, and explore products and services tailored to the needs of local governments. You never know which conversation could lead to your community's next great idea.
Concurrent Workshops:
Turning Communities into Destinations: A West Virginia Municipal Perspective
Convention Center Terrace Level Meeting Room 213
Cities and towns throughout West Virginia are leveraging events, tourism, recreation, and placemaking to strengthen local economies and improve quality of life. This roundtable will highlight successful partnerships and practical strategies for creating destination communities.
Moderator: Tim Brady, President & CEO, Charleston CVB
Richie Heath, Executive Director, WV Hospitality & Travel Association
Tabitha Stover, Executive Director, Fayetteville CVB
Scott James, Mayor, City of St. Albans
Erik Janelsins, President & CEO, Oglebay Resort
Robbie Skinner, Mayor, City of Buckhannon; City of Buckhannon Representative, WV Strawberry Festival
Turning Vacant Properties into Assets
Convention Center Terrace Level Meeting Room 212
Vacant and neglected properties affect communities of every size across WV. Join the Charleston Land Reuse Agency (CLRA) for discussion with leaders as they share how they tackled vacant properties, addressed absentee and noncompliant property ownership, and transformed long-neglected parcels into community assets.
Through real-world case studies, panelists will discuss the strategies, partnerships, and resources that helped move these projects forward, as well as the challenges they encountered along the way. Whether your community is just beginning this work or looking for new ideas, you’ll leave with practical insights and proven approaches that can help turn vacant properties into opportunities.
Moderator: John Butterworth, Senior Planner, CLRA
Dr. Anne Cavalier, Mayor, City of Smithers
Sam Lusk, Director, Princeton Economic Development Authority
Alex Weld, Chair, City of Wellsburg Urban Renewal Authority
The Intersection of Environmental Remediation and Economic Development:
Convention Center Terrace Level Meeting Room 211
This presentation explores how environmental remediation can serve as a catalyst for economic development, particularly in communities facing legacy industrial challenges. Drawing on both environmental laws and public finance tools, it highlights how municipalities can manage liability, leverage funding sources, and structure redevelopment projects to attract private investment. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to transform underutilized or contaminated properties into drivers of job creation and long-term tax base growth.
Marissa Nortz, Member, Steptoe & Johnson
Jason Turner, Member, Steptoe & Johnson
H. Hampton Rose IV, Member, Steptoe & Johnson
Your Guide to USDA Rural Development
Convention Center Terrace Level Meeting Room 214 This workshop provides an overview of USDA Rural Development programs and resources that support the growth and sustainability of West Virginia communities. Learn about funding opportunities, technical assistance, and strategic partnerships that help improve infrastructure, expand economic opportunities, and enhance quality of life in rural areas. Leave this session equipped with practical knowledge to leverage USDA resources and strengthen your community.
John Reisenweber, WV State Director for Rural Development
Kayleigh Kyle, Senior Community Liaison
Jesse Gandee, Business Programs Director
Steve Collins, Community Programs Director
Concurrent Workshops:
Storytelling on a Shoestring: Winning the Social Media Game with Limited Time, Staff, and Budget
Convention Center Terrace Level Meeting Room 213
Municipalities today are, in many ways, media organizations. Join Delegate Kayla Young for a practical discussion on creating compelling content, managing controversial issues, responding to criticism, and telling your community's story—even with limited staff and resources. Learn affordable strategies for video storytelling, social media engagement, crisis communication, and building public trust online.
Delegate Kayla Young, Minority Leader Pro Tempore, WV House of Delegates (56th District)
Building the First Rural Smart City in America
Convention Center Terrace Level Meeting Room 212
Through the story of Glenville, explore how innovation isn't just for large cities. This case study highlights the partnerships, technology, and community development strategies that earned national recognition while demonstrating how rural communities can leverage smart solutions to address local challenges and create new opportunities.
Mark Sarver, Mayor, City of Glenville
The Future is Local: Building Communities People Choose
Convention Center Terrace Level Meeting Room 211
As communities across the country compete for talent, investment, and population growth, creativity, and innovation have never been more important. Ascend WV has become a nationally recognized model for community development, demonstrating how strategic partnerships, intentional placemaking, and bold thinking can attract new residents, strengthen local connections, and create economic opportunities. In this engaging panel discussion, municipal leaders will explore the strategies and approaches behind Ascend’s success and leave with inspiration and practical ideas they can adapt and implement to position their communities to compete, grow and thrive.
Moderator: Danny Twilley, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President Economic & Community Development
Jerry Marco, Mayor, City of Elkins
Beverly White, Mayor, City of Lewisburg
Giovanna Kiani, Ascender, Charleston, WV
Anne Berlin, Ascender, Elkins, WV
New Requirements for Collateralizing Public Funds
Convention Center Terrace Level Meeting Room 214
The West Virginia State Treasurer's Office is implementing updates to the Security for Public Deposits Act to strengthen the protection of public funds. This session will provide an overview of the new collateralization requirements, explain the Dedicated Single Bank and Multibank Pooled methods, and outline what public entities and financial institutions need to know as the new program rolls out in Summer 2026.
Roy Woodard, Financial Analyst, WV Treasurer’s Office
Joellen Lucas, Director of Debt and Securities Management, WV Treasurer’s Office
Legislative Leaders Luncheon: Conversations That Matter to Communities
Convention Center Ballroom A & B
This bipartisan discussion will bring together members of the West Virginia Legislature from across the Mountain State to discuss issues impacting municipalities and explore opportunities for stronger collaboration between local and state government.
Concurrent Workshops:
Safety in Action
Convention Center Terrace Level Meeting Room 213
Every day on the job is different for public works employees, but the goal is always the same – everyone goes home safe. Cities aren’t subject to OSHA rules, but reducing injuries is their specialty. This workshop will highlight the four major hazards for construction, including trench and excavation safety.
Zachary Halstead, Compliance Safety and Health Officer, Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Unlocking Community-Driven Change
Convention Center Terrace Level Meeting Room 212
The West Virginia Community Development Hub partners with communities to turn local ideas into lasting economic and community development. Through their Responsive Coaching program, communities receive one-on-one guidance, strategic connections, and practical support to overcome challenges, build local capacity, and move projects from vision to action. Whether launching a new initiative or tackling a specific obstacle, their coaches help communities make meaningful progress with confidence.
Stacy Henderson, Community Coaching Programs Director, WV Community Development Hub
Cybersecurity for Wastewater & Water Treatment Facilities: Protecting Critical Infrastructure
Convention Center Terrace Level Meeting Room 211
As cyber threats continue to target critical infrastructure, wastewater and water treatment facilities face increasing risks to operational systems, public safety, and regulatory compliance. This presentation will discuss emerging cybersecurity threats impacting water utilities, best practices for securing operational technology (OT) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and practical strategies facilities can implement to strengthen their cybersecurity posture. Attendees will gain insight into current industry trends, vulnerabilities, and proactive measures to help protect essential water infrastructure.
Kevin B. Kemerer, JD, LLM President & CVO; Precision Pump & Valve
Service, Inc.
Ali Al-Sinayyid, PhD Director, WVSU Cybersecurity Innovation Center West Virginia State University
From Budgets to Blight: Managing the Biggest Challenges in Local Government
Convention Center Terrace Level Meeting Room 214
Bring your question for this interactive discussion featuring experienced municipal attorneys, finance professionals, and local government leaders from communities across WV. Panelists will compare approaches to some of local government’s most pressing challenges, share lessons learned, and answer audience questions.
No hypotheticals—just practical advice from professionals who navigate these challenges every day.
Moderator: Mark Matkovich, Legal Counsel, WVML
Joe Baldwin, City Attorney, City of Charleston
Andy Wood, Finance Director, City of Charleston
Ryan Simonton, City Attorney, City of Morgantown
Rose Humway-Warmuth, City Solicitor, City of Wheeling; Past President of the International Municipal Lawyer’s Association
Scott A Damron, City Attorney, City of Huntington
Municipal leaders from communities across WV
Clerks & Recorders Silent Auction Closes: Get your bids in!
Convention Center Terrace Level Hallway
You never know what treasure you'll find! Browse the Silent Auction, bid on one-of-a-kind items, and enjoy a little friendly competition while supporting the WV Municipal Clerks and Recorders Association.
Annual Business Meeting
Convention Center Terrace Level Meeting Room 216
Awards Dinner
Convention Center Ballroom C
Celebrate the outstanding people and communities making a difference in our towns, cities, and villages during the WVML Awards Dinner. Join colleagues from around the state as we recognize exceptional leadership, innovation, and service through the presentation of the League's annual awards. Enjoy an evening of great food, fellowship, and celebration as we honor those helping shape the future of municipal government.
Remarks By: Dr. Gregory Rosencrance, President and CEO WVU Medicine, Thomas Hospitals
Please join us for dessert and beverages following the awards presentation.
Hospitality Room
Embassy Suites Room 231
Newly Appointed Municipal Judge Training
Embassy Suites Salon D
Instructor: Floyd McKinley “Kin” Sayre III, Partner, Bowles Rice LLP
Experience the Conference
Hotel Accommodations
Special Group Rate
$129.00 USD / night
July 2, 2026
John A. DeStefano, Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament
During this tournament, members will have a great time interacting with a broad group of folks on the golf course prior to the official start of the conference. You don't have to be a pro-golfer to come enjoy yourself!
For those competitive folks, the League will award two top golfers with either the Curtis M. Uhl or H. Murrill Ralston Golf Awards.
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Edgewood Country Club, Charleston
Registration Fees
Awards & Nominations
All-Star Community Awards
Municipal Officials Hall of Fame
Honoring long-standing dedication and outstanding service to local government.
Mayor of the Year Award
Celebrating exceptional leadership, vision, and commitment from mayors across the state.