Board of Directors & Meetings
Board Meetings
The Board of Directors meets at 1:30 p.m. on the first Monday of even months (February, April, June, August, October, and December) at Area 34, 971 WV Rt. 34, Hurricane (unless otherwise noted).
Board meetings are open to the public.
Board of Directors
Rebekah Withrow
Rebekah is a Personal Trainer for Snap Fitness and Generations Physical Therapy where she helps members and patients increase their quality of life with their personal health and wellness. She was raised in Putnam County and is now raising her son, Robbie, here. She enjoys helping with fundraising and events locally to help our residents, schools, and veterans when possible. During Covid she wanted to have a healthy, fitness related experience available to the community and started Battle Run Events which offered obstacle course racing and other fitness competitions. She loves what Putnam County offers and is always looking for ways she can be an asset our community.
Amanda Ramey
Amanda is the Assistant City Manager for the City of Hurricane and is the Putnam County Commission Representative on the Board. She began her role at the City of Hurricane in 2017. Her responsibilities include communications, marketing, public relations, planning, zoning, development and parks. She has prior experience in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Amanda grew up in Hurricane, graduated from Hurricane High School in 2000 and from Marshall University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism in 2004. She and her husband Ryan have two boys, Austin and Carson. As a family, they enjoy traveling, outdoor activities like camping and fishing and are active members of Hurricane First Church of the Nazarene. Amanda loves to promote Hurricane – and Putnam County as a whole – because of the wonderful people who live here and all the awesome activities and events that are always happening.
Angela Harding
Angela is the Chief Operating Officer at Harding Hospitality which operates the new Sleep Inn / MainStay Suites in Putnam County, two other Sleep Inn locations as well as Harding’s Family Restaurant She lives in Winfield with her husband on their farm with horses, dogs, and cats. She is also a volunteer with the Charleston Ballet. Angela lives Putnam County because of the support for small, local businesses!
Dave Gilpin, Board President
Dave is the owner of Dave Allen Communications, a public relations, marketing and events company, in Putnam County. Dave has over 30 years experience in marketing, primarily in radio. Dave is a past President of Putnam County Rotary and is a board member for Marshall University’s Teays Valley Campus.
Joe Stevens
Joe is the Executive Director of the Nitro CVB and is a board member for the West Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association and the West Virginia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus. Joe enjoys running, coaching middle school cross country and tack, attending sporting events with his son, Christian, and gardening with his wife, Angie. Joe lives in Putnam County and loves that the area provides something for everyone from athletic activities, to great schools, restaurants and events.
Maggie Parsons
Putnam County Fair Representative
Kathie Hess Crouse
Kathie is a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates and a community leader. She is actively engaged in our community, county and state. As a life-long West Virginia resident, she wants the rest of the world to realize how beautiful West Virginia is! Kathie enjoys being outdoors and enjoying the summer weather and lives in Buffalo. She is married with five children and loves the people, space and convenience of Putnam County without all of the hustle and bustle.
Megan Tarbett
Megan is the director of the Putnam County Libraries. She began in that role in 2015, and manages the main library and four branches. She graduated from Bethany College with a bachelor’s degree in English, and then from the University of Pittsburgh with a master’s degree in Library and Information Science. After graduation, she worked for the West Virginia Library Commission before coming to Putnam County Libraries.
Alexandra Pfost
Alexandra is the Marketing and Agritourism Manager at Gritt’s Farm in Buffalo. A Charleston native and Putnam County resident, Alexandra learned from her grandparents who operated a local Italian restaurant in Putnam County for 15 years. With her marketing and event planning expertise, Alexandra produces seasonal agritourism events and manages Gritt’s Fall Fun Farm, drawing visitors from all 50 states. In her free time she likes to exercise (including boxing and tennis) and finding the best local ice cream spots when she travels.
Rob Sydenstricker
Rob is the owner of the FireSide Grille in Putnam County and has over 25 years in the food and beverage industry. He graduated Marshall University with a degree in finance. After graduating Marshall he was a broker with Financial Underwriters and owned the Island Time Club and rental properties. He is married with one child. He loves Putnam County and serving on the on the Chamber and CVB board.