ABOUT US
STRIVING TO MAKE SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA A MODEL OF HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND ACTIVE LIVING
Our founders recognized that West Virginia was struggling with heart disease, diabetes, short life expectancy, drug abuse, and obesity. Public and private partners came together to support this non-profit organization, focused on improving those statistics and assisting local communities to improve health, increase activity, and become the model for active living.
The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority helped launch Active Southern West Virginia as a non-profit, region-wide initiative to motivate area residents, businesses, schools and local governments to make physical activity a personal and regional priority. A healthy and active community will attract new businesses, tourism, and jobs while developing a proud culture of wellness and physical activity in southern West Virginia.
What We Strive For
Wellness creates jobs
Strategy
Community Captains is an innovative program developed by Active SWV. Community Captains and other Active SWV volunteers are themselves residents seeking healthier lifestyles. These volunteers are provided training with certifications and comprehensive program manuals to facilitate quality programming within communities, workplaces, local governments, and schools. This unique and evidenced based peer-to-peer model provides interventions to help individuals be in charge of their own health to prevent and manage chronic diseases in coal-impacted communities. Volunteers invite their friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to join a routine of being physically active. This social support system is delivered in person and virtually.
MISSION
Active Southern West Virginia is a non-profit providing an ecosystem of physical activity for the residents of southern West Virginia by offering programs led by trained volunteers from within the communities they serve.
vision
Active SWV seeks for everyone to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle. Populations are targeted who face the greatest economic and social barriers. Improving health outcomes through policy and behavioral change will strengthen community and economic development.
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READ more about us
Reports, programs, newsletters, and more.
Active SWV newsletters have all the latest information and updates you need to stay current. Read what’s new in our Community Captain, Workplace Wellness, Active SWV Bike/Walk, and Kids Run Club programs. We will also fill you in on events, partner news, and provide you with health and nutrition tips. Click here to sign up to receive next month’s newsletter.
MEET THE
ACTIVE SWV Team
Melanie Seiler
Board Member: Visit Southern West Virginia and New River Conservancy
Elizabeth Raney
India Tarleton Krawczyk
Kate Armentrout
With a Bachelor of Science in Education and a minor in Recreation Tourism Management, Kate brings organization, facilitation, and knowledge of an active lifestyle to the position of Development Director. This, paired with her interests in photography, organized sports, and design, brings a well-rounded skill set to continue the growth of Active SWV. You can catch Kate in her spare time playing soccer, pickle ball, or out on the river.
Michael Fisher
Michael has extensive experience in outdoor recreation through event planning, professional photography, group facilitation, marketing, youth coaching, fitness instruction, and instructor training in disciplines such as climbing, paddling, hiking, backpacking, biking, yoga, and bouldering to name a few. He holds advanced certifications and a long list of honors and awards.
Brandon Mehlinger
“Being selfless and helping others is what this world needs. I truly believe there is no stronger sense of purpose than when you are making a positive change for others.”
The Active Southern West Virginia Board of Directors
Board Chair: Cindy Whitlock – New River Health Association and Fayette County Board of Education
Board Vice Chair: David Bernier – WVU Institute of Technology Assistant Teaching Professor: Adventure Recreation Management
Board Secretary/Treasurer: Debby Sizemore – Retired Commercial Banker
Gary Morefield – City of Beckley, WV
Eloise Elliott – WVU Ware Distinguished Professor College of Applied Human Sciences School of Sport Sciences
Adam Stephens – Arrowhead Bike Farm
Jen Wood – Executive Director, University Relations WVU Institute of Technology
Larry Harrah – Harrah Law Firm
Michelle Rotellini – Beckley Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce
Austin Caperton – Appalachian Salmon Company
Kay Bess – retired: Visit Southern West Virginia Tourism
Jenna Grayson – Director of Business Retention and Expansion, New River Gorge Regional Development Authority
Lee Ann Belmont – Labor Relations Business Partner, American Water
Non-Voting Members:
William E. Massey, Jr. – Founder of Active Southern West Virginia and Ex-Officio Board Member
Melanie Seiler – Executive Director Active Southern West Virginia
In cooperation with staff, board members, partners, volunteers, and participants, Active Southern West Virginia has increased access to physical activity and living a healthy lifestyle in West Virginia. Read our Success Stories here.
