Craig Grooms, Executive Director
A graduate of the West Virginia Institute of Technology (B.S., 1985) and the University of Pittsburgh, (M.P.P.M. 2002). Craig joined College Summit in January 2006, after working for three years as the Director of Admissions for Marshall University. He brings 20 years of experience in the field of higher education admissions. He also has extensive direct-service experience and has participated in three College Summit Workshops. In addition to his hands-on work with students, Craig is a member of a number of professional organizations, including the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the American Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers, and the Chesapeake & Potomac Association for College Admission Counseling.

Jon Charles, Program Director
Prior to joining College Summit, Jon was an English teacher and has an extensive record of coaching college-bound students in SAT/ACT prep and application essays.  He taught American literature and history in a gifted and talented magnet program and Theory of Knowledge in an International Baccalaureate school. In previous positions, he also served as professional development administrator and as state writing portfolio coordinator.  Jon graduated from Transylvania University and the University of Kentucky where he majored in English and history and minored in French and Italian.  Jon hopes his educational background and classroom experience will help College Summit overcome the challenges of college enrollment.

Keri Welcome, School Partnership Manager
A graduate of West Virginia State University (B.A. Education, 2002) and Marshall University (M.A., Leadership Studies, 2005), Keri joined the College Summit team in September 2007. Keri is a former Chemistry teacher in Kanawha County and also a former College Summit Advisor. She is currently seeking her Doctorate of Education at Marshall University, while continuing to coach Cheerleading at St. Albans High School. Keri joined the College Summit team because of her passion for education and for the opportunity to help affect system change.

Andrea Barrick, School Partnership Manager
A native of Keyser, West Virginia, Andrea Barrick holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Barton College as well as a Masters of Social Work and a Masters of Public Administration from West Virginia University. During her graduate studies, Ms. Barrick served as a graduate teaching assistant for the Division of Social Work and managed the recruitment events calendar for the program. In 2008, Andrea was selected as an outstanding graduate teaching assistant and was also inducted into the Women’s Leadership Program at WVU. Andrea is excited to be a member of the College Summit team because it allows her to advocate passionately for higher education and diversity.

Billy Burdette, School Partnership Manager
Billy Burdette uses his innovative spirit and experience in the public school system to encourage schools and individuals to participate in College Summit.  He attended West Virginia State University where he received a Bachelor’s of Science in Music Education.  Billy was the Director of Choral Activities at Courtland High School in Spotsylvania County, VA before joining the College Summit West Virginia team.  Reading, cooking, jogging, and traveling are a few of his off-duty pastimes.

Susan Shew, Senior Development Coordinator
A graduate of West Virginia University (M.S. Industrial & Labor Relations, 2004 and B.S. Business Administration with honors, 2003), Susan joined the College Summit team in March 2006 as an Americorps VISTA. During her graduate studies, Susan was Vice-President of the Industrial Relations Student Association and also was able to study abroad in Asolo, Italy. After graduating, Susan gained Human Resource experience as a Staffing Specialist for Manpower Temporary Services. Susan joined the College Summit team because of her passion for higher education and for the opportunity to help make a difference in West Virginia.

Jayme Waldeck, Community Engagement Coordinator
A graduate of Shepherd University (B.F.A., Graphic Design, 2003), Jayme joined the College Summit team in February 2006. She worked as a Service Learning Specialist at the University of Charleston through the AmeriCorps VISTA program. During her term, she partnered college students, high school students, and area non-profits with meaningful community service projects. During the summer of 2005, she volunteered as a Writing Coach at a College Summit workshop. Jayme joined full-time to improve college enrollment throughout West Virginia.

Regional Site Board

General Robert H. “Doc” Foglesong
President and Executive Director of the Appalachian Leadership and Education Foundation

Julie Mork
Managing Director, ECA Foundation

Dr. Hazo Carter
President, West Virginia State University

Lloyd Jackson
President, Jackson Gas

L. Newton Thomas, Jr.
President of the Daywood Foundation

Dr. Dan Foster
West Virginia State Senator, (D-17th District)

Bill Clark
General Manager, Allied Waste Services

Brad Rowe
Vice President – Operations, General Corporation

Larry Salyers
Vice President, United Bank

**Emeritus Status Board Members
Edward G. Maier
President, the Maier Foundation, Inc.
I.N. “Ike” Smith, Jr.
Vice Chairman, United Bankshares