BOARD MEMBERS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • Catherine Muth

    PRESIDENT

    Cathy is past owner and CEO of O R Colan Associates, LLC and ORC Utility & Infrastructure Land Services, LLC (ORC) – Retired. She is currently an Advisor to the Board of ORC. She founded the ORC Family Foundation, Inc. (a Florida 501c3) and is a member of the Board of WISE. Cathy is an alumnus of West Virginia University. She and her husband Fred live in Hollywood, Florida in the winter and in Bluefield, Virginia in the summer. They enjoy spending time with their blended family of 4 adult children and 10 grandchildren.

  • Pat Doss

    VICE PRESIDENT

    Pat Doss is a real estate agent with Full Access Real Estate, licensed in West Virginia and Virginia. She is a State Director for the WV Association of Realtors. She is a member of the BEDA (Bluefield Economic Development Authority) Board of the Bluefield Economic Authority and has served several positions on the local MTCBR (Mercer Tazewell County Board of Realtors). Currently she chairs the Education Committee and the Community Service Committee of the MTCBR and the Bluefield Zoning Board of Adjustments. She is also a member of the Board of WISE. She lives in Mercer County with her husband.

  • Heather R. Cline

    SECRETARY

    Heather is a lifelong resident of West Virginia and has been an advocate for the safety of women for many years while working with various organizations within Mercer County. She is a domestic violence abuse survivor herself and deeply understands the need for victim support in this community. Heather is an Information Technology professional.

  • Deborah Garton

    TREASURER

    Deborah K. Garton is a West Virginia native who attended West Virginia University for 8 years in which she attained BA Degrees in English and Social Studies, an MA Degree in English Education, and a JD Degree.  She was a partner in the law firm of Hensley Muth Garton & Hayes for over 40 years, while also serving as Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney of Mercer County for 30 years.  Following retirement, she has become immersed in community outreach on both civil and religious levels.

  • Alysha Crawford

    DIRECTOR

    Alysha is passionate about serving members of our community facing difficult circumstances. As the Homeless Services/ICARE Facilitator for Mercer County Schools and Founder of the Special Needs Collaborative, she is dedicated to connecting individuals and families with the support they need. Often, this includes assisting those experiencing homelessness or escaping from domestic violence. Alysha collaborates with agencies across Mercer County and throughout West Virginia to ensure access to critical resources.

  • Ashley Short

    DIRECTOR

    Ashley Short is a native of Bluefield, West Virginia, and currently serves as a Luxury Wine Consultant with Johnson Brothers of West Virginia. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending quality time with her soon-to-be husband and their three dogs—Tucker, Lyla, and Rae. Whether exploring the outdoors or enjoying quiet moments at home, Ashley values connection, community, and the comforts of good company.

  • Polla Rumberg

    DIRECTOR

    Polla has 53 years of Southern WV Coalfield community-based experience in the field of community development. She has worked extensively in public school and private practice counseling settings which has led to a working knowledge of how to formulate workable solutions for people in crisis. Her experience includes having served on an assortment of advisory and governing boards of directors throughout the area.

  • Betty Brainerd

    DIRECTOR

    Betty Brainerd is the Executive Director of the Wade Center. Prior to that, she managed the Bluefield Arts Center and transformed the space. She and her husband, Hal, had a nationally recognized photography business and gallery, where many local leaders had their portraiT taken. She is a native of Tazewell County and resides there today.

  • Connie Saunders

    DIRECTOR

    Connie Saunders is President and CEO of Saunders Staffing, Inc.; the Personnel Pool of Va.,Inc.; and the WV Community Services for Women, Inc., a Non-Profit. She was born in Bluefield, WV and graduated from Bluefield College, Bluefield, VA in 1969 with a degree in Business Administration. Connie then attended Concord University to continue her studies in Business Management, next moving to Morgantown, WV and continuing her studies in Business Management. She married Rick Wellons, a fellow friend and student.

  • Kim Felix

    DIRECTOR

    Kim Felix is a passionate advocate for economic equity with more than a decade of experience in community organizing, public policy, and social justice advocacy. Her work is deeply rooted in a commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities of underrepresented communities, particularly people that are marginalized due to their gender, race, creed, orientation, or domiciled in politically hostile environments.