Meghan Smith is a Business Attraction Manager with the West Virginia Department of Economic Development. In her role, Meghan works to recruit new businesses to West Virginia, with a specialization  in the aerospace industry. She is also involved with tourism, film and housing industry development tax credit programs that are managed by the WV Department of Economic Development. Before joining the department, Smith worked in marketing and communications for the West Virginia Department of Tourism and the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council. Smith holds a Master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications and a bachelor’s degree in advertising from West Virginia University and is a native of Charleston, West Virginia. Meghan lives in Charleston with her husband Nathan, and their 2 cats, Mango and Goldie, and dog, Porter.

Kristen Beverage, WV Recreational Economies Initiative Manager at Partner Community Capital, resides near Marlinton, WV, nestled deep within the Monongahela National Forest.  Kristen’s career includes her role as Business Advisor at the WV Women’s Business Center, serving as Executive Director at the Snowshoe Foundation, and experience at the US Forest Service where her passion for trail development and conservation was cultivated. She holds an MA in Applied Community Development and earned her undergraduate degree in Finance from WVU. She advocates for sustainable recreation and rural economic vitality. For leisure she enjoys hiking with her fiancé and daughter, trail-running and camping.

Louis was born and raised in Fayette County, WV where he grew up in a family-owned grocery store. He learned early on the challenges and rewards of small businesses and entrepreneurship. After graduating from WV Tech with a B.S in Accounting, Louis found his way into the world of finance where he worked for nearly 20 years as a Small Business and Commercial Lender for various banks based in Charleston, WV. Louis worked with numerous small businesses during this time assisting with their lending and credit needs while learning and consulting about operations, management styles, capitalization, marketing and other aspects of small business. In January 2023 Louis jumped at the opportunity to work for Partner Community Capital (PCAP) as Business Services Coordinator for the West Virginia Recreational Economies Initiative (WV REI). In this role Louis works closely with Small Businesses and Non-Profit Organizations who operate in the Tourism and/or Recreation sectors of Southern West Virginia’s economy. Specifically, Louis provides business and financial advisory services and administers third-party Technical Assistance funding to WV REI clients.

Destiny Workman serves as the Cooperative Advertising Coordinator at the West Virginia Department of Tourism. In this role, she runs the Cooperative Advertising Program, a public-private partnership program designed to increase awareness for the state and its tourism businesses through joint advertising opportunities. Through her time at the Department, she has experience executing paid media strategies within the travel and tourism landscape. Destiny earned a B.A. in Integrated Communications from the University of Charleston. As a West Virginia native, Destiny gets to do what she loves daily — promote the wonders of the state’s scenic landscapes, charming culture, and unforgettable adventures.

Kaycee Lantz serves as the Advertising Coordinator for the West Virginia Department of Tourism. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Public Relations from West Virginia University and is very passionate about partner communication, creative execution and media strategy. Originally from Charleston, West Virginia, Kaycee is honored to be a part of the mission to promote the gorgeous Mountain State alongside fellow visionaries.

Born and raised in Berlin, Germany, Gisa move to the U.S.A. after the higher education program in the Tourism Sector (travel agency and tour operator). Gisa joined AlliedTPro as General Manager for Florida in 2005 managing all day to day needs of the Orlando office. She simultaneously lead the Southern US Groups Department in developing group product as well as and servicing leisure and MICE buyers worldwide. In 2017 Gisa joined the Product Department as Senior Product Manager for the Southeastern US States as well as the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. She oversees FIT Hotel, Escorted Tour Series and Attraction contracting and product development for her territory. Gisa works continuously to expand the FIT portfolio of boutique and luxury hotel product as well as discovering new and unique experiences and off the beaten path itineraries in her coverage area to add to the wide range of hotel chain connectivity AlliedTPro is working with. Gisa has recently been promoted to VP of Contracting and Product Partnerships for AlliedNewWorld – the joint venture company between AlliedTPro and New World Travel. She is now leading the Product Team for both companies in an effort to expand supplier partnerships and product development.

Paige serves the West Virginia Department of Tourism as the Social Media Coordinator. She studied Advertising and Public Relations at WVU and has been a part of our team ever since. She loves creating Reels, connecting with partners, and traveling all over the Mountain State! Her favorite place to visit in Almost Heaven is the New River Gorge.