Dean Cordle is the President and Chief Executive Officer of AC & S, Incorporated, a company based in Nitro, West Virginia, specializing in contract manufacturing of specialty chemicals, hazardous materials blending, and chemical distribution services. With over 36 years of experience, Mr. Cordle has a deep background in directing chemical manufacturing operations and managing corporate environmental, health, and safety programs.

Mr. Cordle serves on the Board of Directors for the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and is a member of the ACC Board Responsible Care® Committee. He is also the former Chairman of the Council of Small and Medium Size Enterprises. Appointed by former Governor (now Senator) Joe Manchin, Mr. Cordle previously served on the West Virginia Public Energy Authority. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the University of Charleston, the Executive Committee and as Treasurer of the Society of Chemical Industry – America (SCI), and is on the West Virginia Manufacturers Association (WVMA) Board of Directors, where he also chairs the Chemical Industry Committee.

Mr. Cordle is an active advocate for the chemical manufacturing and energy sectors, promoting public policy initiatives at both the national and state levels. He earned an Executive Master of Business Administration from the University of Charleston, a Master of Science in Geology from Bowling Green State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Geology from Ohio Wesleyan University. He also holds a Master Level Certification as a Hazardous Materials Manager from the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management and is a graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy.

Alicia Cunningham is a Senior Safety and Loss Control Consultant at Encova Insurance, primarily serving the West Virginia area. She partners with underwriters, agents, and clients to evaluate risk, reduce losses, and improve operations, ultimately increasing productivity and profitability. Alicia holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health from Marshall University. She also holds the Certified Safety and Health Manager (CSHM) designation and is an authorized OSHA outreach trainer for both construction and general industry. 

With 16 years of experience in the insurance and safety industries, Alicia has significant expertise in the oil and gas sectors and related support industries. She is trained in International Association of Contractors Health Safety and Environment (HSE) Rig Pass Orientation and Appalachian Basin Oil and Gas Training Center Floor Hand Technical aspects. Alicia has also served as the co-chair of the WVONGA Safety Committee and is currently a member of the WV Manufacturers Association Safety Committee.

In addition to her industry work, Alicia is deeply involved in education. She has been a member of Marshall University’s Occupational Safety & Health Advisory Board since 2008 and has chaired the Safety Conference Planning Committee since 2016. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Marshall, teaching special topics in safety. Alicia collaborated with West Virginia University to develop the Oil and Gas Safety and Health Hazard Awareness Training and is a qualified instructor for the program.

Michael Crown is the Director of Workforce Development, responsible for overseeing Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) activities across West Virginia’s seven workforce development regions. In this role, Michael collaborates with state and local partners within the WV workforce delivery system to implement WIOA programs. These programs aim to enhance access to employment, education, training, and support services for individuals facing barriers to the labor market.

In addition to his WIOA responsibilities, Michael manages the state’s Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program. This program provides tax incentives to employers who hire individuals from target groups facing significant employment barriers, including veterans, individuals with disabilities, and long-term unemployed workers.

Deb Harris is the Manager for the West Virginia Schools of Diversion & Transition (WVSDT) Reentry Programs and Jobs & Hope WV, a statewide initiative launched by Governor Jim Justice in 2019. The program aims to address the substance use disorder crisis and support West Virginians in recovery by helping them find meaningful employment. Deb leads a team of 30 staff members who provide critical support and guidance to individuals facing barriers to reentering the workforce. This includes connecting them to essential resources such as career training, high school equivalency programs, and job opportunities. 

For her exceptional work with Jobs & Hope WV, Deb was honored with the YWCA Women of Achievement Empowerment Award in 2020. In 2023, she was appointed by Governor Jim Justice to serve on the West Virginia Workforce Development Board. 

Deb brings extensive experience in helping individuals overcome various challenges and barriers. Before her current role, she served as a TANF and Peer Counselor at Bridge Valley Community and Technical College, where she assisted students on academic probation and those requiring state benefits to complete their education.

Deb holds a Master’s Degree in Adult Continuing Education and Evaluation from Marshall University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Leadership and Rehabilitation from West Virginia State University, and an Associate Degree in Behavioral Health Addictions from Bridge Valley CTC. She also served as an AmeriCorps VISTA and Peer Counselor during her studies.

Deb resides in Charleston with her husband, their four children, and their beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, “Charlie.” In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities like skiing and fishing on the Greenbrier River, as well as attending concerts.