WofA WV Annual Luncheon: Celebrating Leadership and Inspiring the Next Generation
In July, the WofA West Virginia Branch kicked off its 2025 Annual Luncheon, bringing together 75+ members and partners for a day of celebration, networking, and inspiration. The event highlighted branch achievements, offered insightful presentations, and honored the next generation of industry leaders.
The City of Wheeling Mayor Denny Magruder shared a State of the City address, while National WofA Executive Director Brittyn Heisler provided an update on national Women of Asphalt initiatives and emphasized why local branches are key to leadership development. Rich McElhaney closed the main session with a presentation on The Real Cost of Safety, leaving attendees with actionable insights for their work.
A special moment of the day was recognizing two outstanding high-school scholarship recipients:
Jillian Campbell, a Riverside High School graduate, plans to study civil engineering at WV University. Jillian’s passion for the heavy highway industry began with her participation in the WVDOH Bridge Design Contest. She is also a member of the National Beta Club, student council, and WVU Youth Advisory Council.
Delaney Pearson, a Point Pleasant Junior/Senior High School graduate, will study political science at Marshall University with aspirations to earn a law degree. Inspired by her mother’s career in construction with the DOT, Delaney hopes to advocate for women in construction and one day serve in the WV House of Representatives.
The luncheon also celebrated Therese Mizer of Mid Atlantic Maintenance, who received the WofA WV Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to the industry and the West Virginia branch.
A special thank you to WofA WV partners for their support: Asphalt Pavement Association of West Virginia, MUC, West Virginia Paving Inc., Kelly Paving West Virginia, Mid Atlantic Maintenance, and Tarradon.
Attendees left energized, proud of the branch’s impact, and inspired to get involved in committees or leadership roles within WofA West Virginia. The luncheon was a powerful reminder of how mentorship, advocacy, and connection drive the future of women in the asphalt industry.
