WHO WE ARE

Leadership Fayette County (LFC) is a program for selected high school juniors across Fayette County. The purpose of the program is to promote essential leadership qualities in the students while providing first hand experiences in the business, government, and tourism sectors of Fayette County, West Virginia.

LFC is the brainchild of David W. Pollard (Fayette County Resource Coordinator, 1995-2014) jointly developed and delivered by the 501C3 Fayette County Education Fund, Inc. (FCEF) the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, and the Fayette County Board of Education and modeled after the highly acclaimed and successful Leadership West Virginia program (developed in 1991) by the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the State of West Virginia.

The team of individuals who represent LFC are proud to work with and serve the students of Fayette County, believing that opportunities are key to ensuring that young leaders are equipped with confidence and desire to continue creating a better community.

WHAT WE DO

Mission: Leadership Fayette County’s mission is to inspire our youth to engage in their communities and enhance a sense of place through mentorship, experiential education, and scholarships.

Vision: To empower every Fayette County student to reach their full leadership potential through ongoing innovative programming and become long-term advocates for West Virginia.

LFC’s program goal is to provide Fayette County youth with the information and tools needed to enable them to make an informed choice to return to Fayette County to upon completion of their higher education.

The program runs September - May alongside each school year. Juniors accepted into the program experience 12-14 LFC sessions throughout the school year, where they engage in activities and collaborative conversations with current community leaders in business, innovation, and government. Throughout the sessions, students also develop skills in hands-on problem solving, critical thinking, and public speaking. The program culminates in a graduation celebration in May, honoring students for their growth and hard work. Each student who successfully completes the program then receives a $1,000 scholarship to go toward further learning.

Scholarships and program funding are made possible by donations to the 501C3 Fayette County Education Fund, Inc.

Our Team.

Geoff Heeter

Director/President

Geoff Heeter has seen the evolution of the LFC since its inception, and has had the privilege of taking on many roles with the program over the last two decades. A community leader and Fayette County business owner (Opossum Creek Retreat, LLC.), Geoff brings his knowledge, networks, vision, and lived experiences to his role as the President and mentor of the Fayette County Education Fund and Leadership Fayette County.

Geoff came upon the New River Gorge area as a raft guide some years ago, deciding with his partner and wife to settle in the area and make a home for their family. Their two children are shining examples of the passion and wisdom the pair impart on not only their family, but all those around them. LFC is honored to have Geoff as our fearless leader.

Ashton Critchley

Program Coordinator

Ashton Critchley is a West Virginia native who is working to utilize her education, experiences, and skillset through entrepreneurial initiatives to help strengthen social, and recreational opportunities in our state. She is passionate about promoting comprehensive development within her community and empowering those around her to create a brighter future. Her determination to help create a more equitable and prosperous West Virginia motivates her in her career and in her involvement with LFC.

As an alumni of the program, Ashton is thrilled to be back with Leadership Fayette County once again, now as its Program Coordinator.

Alex Richardson

Lead Mentor

Alex Richardson was raised in Fayette County, and although spent ten years away, is honored and excited to be back home working with LFC. As an alumni, she is passionate about the impact this program can have on young leaders.

Alex is a graduate of the B.A. program of West Virginia Wesleyan College and the teacher education program of Maryville College, and has worked as both a teacher and performer around the USA, New Zealand, and Australia.

As a multi-faceted individual, Alex brings her background in performing arts, education, travel, and outdoor recreation together, hoping to inspire and motivate today's young people. She hopes to be a part of helping to create a better West Virginia.

Angela Sundstrom

Board Member

Dr. Mandy Wriston

Board Member/Mentor

Dr. Wriston is a native Appalachian professional with almost two decades of experience in the
Travel and Tourism Industry. Her early career occupations include Group Tour and Grant
Specialist for the Southern West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau. She was Director of
Operation and Finance for the Raleigh County Recreation Authority. Most recently she was
coordinator for West Virginia’s largest one day extreme sport festival Official Bridge Day. Her
experience in Higher Education includes several areas: Dean of Students and Campus Life,
Coordinator Doctor of Executive Leadership Program, and Assistant Dean of Mountain State
University Academy.
She is currently the owner of Appalachian Queen Consulting and Public Relations LLC.
Dr. Wriston is heppy to be volunteering as a consultant and board member for LFC.

Kenny Parker

Board Member

Kenny Parker is an anchor of the Fayette County community, having been deeply involved in outdoor recreation advocacy, local economic development, and community organizations. Kenny is a founding member and current Treasurer of the New River Alliance of Climbers (NRAC), board member of the Fayette County Education Fund, founder of Fayetteville's Waterstone Outdoors, and has served on many other various county and private school boards throughout the years.

Kenny is a proud Fayette County resident along with his wife Kristy and son Owen, and is proud to serve the community through the LFC program.

Board Member

Heidi Prior brings five years of experience serving on the Leadership Fayette County board, where she hopes to contribute to its success and the lasting impact it brings to our community. Based in the beautiful New River Gorge of WV, Heidi is enthusiastic about outdoor adventures and takes pride in raising her son in Wild and Wonderful WV. As a Business Coach at the WV Small Business Development Center, Heidi is driven by her passion to propel the WV economy forward.

Heidi Prior