Charleston Area Alliance Young Professionals
Announces New Name, New Leadership

A little more than a year ago, the Charleston Area Alliance launched a new group to attract and retain young professionals to the region and cultivate the next generation of leaders dedicated to building a more vibrant community and prosperous economy.

The Alliance “Young Professionals” network now includes nearly 400 members who have devoted their time to community concerns such as increasing downtown housing options, public service projects including a Habitat for Humanity home, professional and social networking activities, and placement of young professionals in leadership roles, such as on non-profit boards.

As the dynamic group begins its second year, it is unveiling new leadership and a new name, “Generation Charleston.”

“This group has shown great leadership born out of their understanding that the future of West Virginia is being created by decisions and projects we work on and accomplish now. We encourage everyone who wants to be a part of this progressive group dedicated to improving our quality of place and our economy to join ‘Generation Charleston,'” said Matthew G. Ballard, Alliance President/CEO.

In addition to the new name, the group will have new co-chairs in the year ahead, Matt Kingery and Danielle Waltz.

Kingery is an attorney at the law firm Dinsmore and Shohl, LLP. His practice focuses on general real estate with emphasis on title and financing issues.

Waltz is an attorney at the law firm Flaherty Sensabaugh and Bonasso, PLLC. Her practice emphasizes civil litigation in the areas of mass tort, toxic tort and general litigation.

Kingery and Waltz will replace founding co-chairs Brad Rowe, General Corporation, and Erica Mani, Bowles Rice McDavid Graff & Love. “Brad and Erica have been integral to getting the Young Professionals group off the ground,” said Ballard. “Their enthusiasm, time, energy and ingenuity have put this group on the map and established it as an effective network for promoting economic and community development. We are indebted to them for their service and dedication.”

For more information regarding “Generation Charleston” or to join, call 304-340-4253 or email info@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org.

The Charleston Area Alliance is a multi-faceted community and economic development organization as well as the largest regional Chamber of Commerce in West Virginia.