looks to kickstart the fall
DRIVEN TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Sara Hall helps spotlight local nonprofits
MEET KARYN
WALACE
WVU Medicine Uniotnown Hospitals
new president, CEO
of contents}
6
PRESERVING A SLICE OF HISTORY
Trends in Morgantown’s historic South Park
22 DRIVEN TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Sara Hall helps spotlight local nonprofits
10
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF HELPING SENIORS STAY AT HOME
30 MEET KARYN WALLACE WVU MEDICINE
Uniontown Hospital’s new president, CEO
We’ve got a varied lineup of stories for you in this edition of the Tri-State Business Journal.
On the cover, we’re highlighting some of Washington County’s signature events to usher in the fall this September. We’re also featuring a business that has grown into the largest independent in-home care center in Washington County.
Our recurring feature, Chamber Spotlight, comes this time from the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, which shares the area’s plans for next year’s 250th celebration. You’ll also learn more about Morgantown’s historic South Park neighborhood. Finally, meet Karyn Wallace, the new president and CEO of WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital.
In each edition of this magazine, I do my best to cover the breadth of our region — from the South Hills of Pittsburgh to wild and wonderful West Virginia. This area is large and diverse, and of course, not a monolith. I strive to bring features from across the tri-state region.
Our region is rich with business and philanthropic endeavors, and this magazine reflects just a small selection. I can’t wait to showcase even more in upcoming editions.
Speaking of future issues, I’d love to hear from you. If you have suggestions, thoughts or ideas for items to include in an upcoming edition, please get in touch. You can reach me at tthurston@observer-reporter.com or 724-2222200, ext. 2421.
18 WASHINGTON COUNTY LOOKS TO KICKSTART THE FALL
23 CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT
Fayette County
Celebrating 250 years
A Town Arena in Avella is gearing up for its third event of the season: Bulls, Bands & BBQ, on September 20. This event combines some of the best country acts in the nation with bull riding and barbecue. An
Editor
Trista Thurston
Advertising Director
Carole DeAngelo
Graphic Designer
Eric Tomlinson
All my best, Editor
Contributors
Michelle Gillis
Hannah Heiskell
Emily King
Rick Shrum
By Hannah Heiskell
In 2017, Elaine McVay’s passion for historic preservation followed her to Morgantown. After her experience with a 1900 Queen Anne home in a historic district in Terre Haute, Indiana, there was no going back to standard subdivision houses. So she ended up in South Park, a neighborhood known in Morgantown for its historic homes.
Despite the extensive work — which called for pulling up carpets, refinishing floors, stripping wallpaper, addressing plumbing issues, re-installing air conditioning and putting on a new roof — McVay’s primary goal was to maintain her 1929 home’s character.
“It comes back to old houses having character, and you are preserving a slice of history,” McVay said. “It’s gonna sound weird, but if you love the house, it’ll love you back.”
Brett Matak, a
A sign welcomes people to South Park’s historic district in Morgantown
realtor with Mountain Ridge Realty and a South Park resident for over 14 years, said house pricing comes down to a home’s quality. As of April 2025, according to Redfin, the South Park neighborhood’s median sale price was $291,000, and average marketing time rose to 108 days.
“In Cheat Lake, the pricing is more aggressive. That’s because it’s tract housing, in the respect that all the houses are the same price point, and they’ll have the same attributes and everything,” Matak said. “Whereas in South Park, you’ll have a $200,000 house next to a $700,000 house, and then you also have the old home factor.”
Beyond these figures, the perspectives of residents like
and fellow renovator
Ross reveal what it’s like living in and restoring South Park’s historic homes.
Ross and her husband, who moved to Morgantown 13 years ago and now reside just above South Park in Hope Crest, were drawn to the area’s walkability and sense of community. They purchased a brick house at 200 Wilson, built in 1901, as a renovation project. Ross noted that the house’s interior, likely last updated in the 1960s with features like shag carpet and bright colours, required “significantly more work than it looked like it needed.”
But the craftsmanship and the old details in this home, according to Ross, were worth saving.
“All the bricks (in the house) are from a local company, and they’re all from 1900. You can’t get them anymore. They can’t be replaced, and they can’t be remade. There’s so much craftsmanship in those homes that you can’t get anymore,” Ross said.
Matak said properties priced correctly with these high-quality, charactersensitive renovations sell quickly. Homes that have been “flipped” with lower-quality or more generic updates may take longer to find a buyer.
Demand for historic homes in South Park has remained consistent, even as more properties become available.
Homes with a backyard or a garage, according to Matak, are highly sought after and sell almost immediately. While some Morgantown residents find South Park’s smaller yards and limited parking
unappealing, people from larger cities are drawn to these aspects.
Aside from the historic homes and their quirks, Matak noted that the neighborhood’s walkability and proximity to downtown are key for buyers. South Park’s sense of community, according to Matak, Ross and McVay, is what makes the neighborhood stand out from others.
“My children are in their 30s, and they want to live in walkable places. In new subdivisions, no one walks, everybody hops in their car, no one sits out on their front porch,” Ross said. “And I think we’re returning to that, at least with the younger people that I talk to, that’s what they want for their families. Like that, sit out on your front porch and say hi to your neighbors, community.”
By Michele Gillis
As people age, daily tasks such as preparing meals, doing housework, laundry or driving to appointments can become quite challenging.
So difficult, in fact, that they may need to leave their home to go to a personal care facility. But what if there was a better way?
Twenty-five years ago, Sherri HewittLaird recognized there was a need to help seniors in their home and Caring Mission Home Care Services, an in-home custodial and professional service, was born.
“Having the caregivers’ support has been life-changing for our family,” said Alexa Cortese, daughter of a Caring Mission Home Care Services client. “Knowing my mom is cared for, engaged and surrounded by people who truly care about her has given me such peace of mind. It’s taken a huge weight off my shoulders and allowed us to focus on enjoying our time together as a family.”
The mission of Caring Mission is to assist, educate and rehabilitate patients in the privacy of their own home.
“We focus on independence and preserving one’s dignity while showing respect to those we care for,” HewittLaird. “Alternative care is about keeping seniors in their homes or an independent
living center. Seniors should have a choice to stay where they are most comfortable, ‘in their home.’”
Hewitt-Laird had been in healthcare for many years as a regional manager. With small children underfoot, she knew she wanted less travel, but wanted to do something meaningful and related to healthcare.
She and Wendy Long batted ideas around and landed on going into seniors’ homes and helping them with day-to-day tasks. The idea blossomed into everything they could do.
“Our goal was to do anything we could for that senior to keep them in the home as long as they were safe prior to seeing that consumer or that senior go to a personal care home,” said Hewitt-Laird, executive director of Caring Mission Home Care Services.
In 2000, Hewitt-Laird and Long met with Steve McCarron, of the University of Pittsburgh Small Business Association. He helped them put a business plan together, and he suggested they apply for a $10,000 microloan from the Washington County Council of Economic Development, which they received.
It was called Caring Mission at that point. They used their own funds to match the money they received and started the business out of Hewitt-Laird’s
home. They opened the first office in 2001 on Jefferson Avenue.
“And that’s how we started it,” said Hewitt-Laird. “One of our first large contracts we received was through the Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging to serve seniors in Washington, Fayette and Greene Counties. We still serve them to this day.”
In 2003, she bought her partner out, and the company became Caring Mission Home Care Services.
The contracts kept coming, and now they are the largest independent in-home care centers in Washington County. Their contracts include Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging, Community Health Choices through the Office of Long Term Living, Veterans Care, Long Term Care and private pay.
“We were one of the first non-medical home care agencies in Washington County,” said Hewitt-Laird. “These caregivers come in and do everything from assistance with bathing, dressing, meal preparation, transportation, housekeeping and laundry. Back in the beginning, we even mowed yards. We did everything.”
Hewitt-Laird said they are called for several reasons that can vary from companionship to full bed care.
“I would say that 90 percent of the
calls that we receive for our care come from a son, daughter or a family member,” said HewittLaird. “Someone might call and say, ‘Mom needs a little bit of help. I have a job. I can’t be there every day. I need help.’ We go in and we work with that family and we come up with a plan so that we can relieve the stress on the family and provide that peace of mind for them while we take care of their loved ones.”
As years passed, they added nurses to the company to help with medically specific needs. They also help with medication setup, medication reminders, basic wound care and similar tasks.
In 2025, Caring Mission Home Care received the Employer of Choice and Provider of Choice Award from Activated Insights, formerly known as Home Care Pulse. They have also received the Best of the Best award from the Observer-Reporter for the last seven years.
Being involved in the community is very important to Caring Mission.
“Caring Mission plays a unique role in feeding the community,” said Hewitt-Laird. “We have accomplished this by supporting our local 4-H members at the county fairs by purchasing their steers and pigs and donating the meat to our local nonprofit agencies like Meals on Wheels, Washington County City Mission, Women’s Shelter and our employees. For us, there is nothing more gratifying than helping others. From our clients to our community, a helping hand is always welcome.”
If you are in need, Hewitt-Laird said they can get care to a client usually within 24 to 72 hours, sometimes less.
“In working with the Caring Mission, we have the pleasure of working with compassionate and caring individuals who help us provide daily care in our home to our daughter, who has MS,” said Adele Trich, the mother of a client. “With their help (and the help of another agency), we have dependable support for our family. Having a chronic, progressive illness is hard enough, but being able to remain in your home in your own surroundings really helps. We truly appreciate our helpers and the Caring Mission.”
The company also has a dementia program, and their caregivers are certified dementia practitioners. In addition, they provide hospice care and partner with other home care agencies in the area.
They have moved several times over the years, but the office that is celebrating 25 years is at 1 Humbert Lane in Washington, which is the headquarters.
Caring Mission currently has three locations, one in Washington County, Fayette County and one recently opened in Allegheny County. There are 118 employees.
She is so excited to be celebrating 25 years. Caring Mission recently hosted a banquet for 142 guests to celebrate with their employees. And they are having a ribbon-cutting at the new building later this month.
“If you had asked me in 2000, how long do you think you’ll have this business? I would have said probably 10 years,” said HewittLaird. “It doesn’t feel like 25 years. I don’t feel like I’ve been in this business for
25 years. I enjoy working with our caregivers. I enjoy our management team. We work very well together. We have a lot of longevity in our company. I have a solid management team, and we look at ourselves as a solution.”
How are they a solution? HewittLaird explained it this way. If someone comes to them for help but doesn’t know exactly what they need, they will go into the home and do a free assessment.
“We come up with a plan with
that family member and that consumer,” she said. “So it’s an individualized care plan just for that consumer. If they can’t afford our services, we refer them to alternate funding sources, such as the Area Agency on Aging or the Office of Long-Term Living. Then we continue to follow them to make sure they get the services that they need. We just don’t say it, we do it. You know, we really are a solution.”
Visit thecaringmission.com for more information.
Debra Swi and her team at Swi Audiology have been providing hearing care services to the people of Pittsburgh since 1987. Her personal and business mission to help individuals with hearing loss has remained steadfast. Over the years, the practice has expanded to three locations: Washington, Bethel Park/South Hills, and North Hills. e diverse sta includes Doctors of Audiology, Board-Certi ed Hearing Instrument Specialists, and dedicated support sta .
Many may not realize that cognitive decline is one of the most common issues associated with aging. Research increasingly shows a correlation between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Hearing loss is the number one modi able risk factor for dementia, and treating it with hearing aids is one of the best ways to preserve cognitive health. “One comprehensive hearing evaluation includes a full hearing test to identify the degree and type of hearing loss you may have,“ notes Swi . is information helps determine whether you could bene t from hearing aids.
What sets Swi Audiology apart for our patients is the commitment of our dedicated sta members, who work closely with them to ensure they feel heard and cared for. “Our patients experience a family-like atmosphere that combines cutting-edge innovations with the best options to meet their hearing needs,“ explains Swi . “We understand that in today’s market, individuals are o en overwhelmed with promotions and gimmicks. While the ultimate choice is the patient’s, we strive to educate them by considering their needs, lifestyle, budget, and hearing pro le to assist in making the right decision.“
rough Swi Audiology’s hearing aid test drive program,
patients can try their hearing aids in real-life scenarios. “You wouldn’t buy a car without a test drive, so why would you buy a hearing aid without one?“ Swi asks. It is incredibly ful lling for our patients, their families, and Team Swi to know that we have improved someone’s quality of life. To learn more, visit swi audiology.com.
Comorbidities and Hearing Loss
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By Emily King
Community Bank is proud to announce Benjamin Siebert as the new Regional President for Southwest Pennsylvania, serving Greene and Fayette Counties. Siebert is a lifelong resident of Fayette County and has a strong background in banking and economic development. He is proud to serve the local community in a place he calls home.
“I’m from Hopwood, and I’ve been a lifelong resident of Fayette County,” said Siebart. “I have no plans of leaving anytime soon.”
A career in banking was a natural fit for Siebert, who enjoys working with numbers but also loves forming trusting relationships with people in the community, helping them feel secure in their finances.
“An individual’s finances are an important part of their lives, and I’m happy to help navigate them in any way I can,” he says. Siebert has worked in different roles in the banking industry for more than sixteen years, specifically lending and finance. He started his career at a finance company specializing in personal, auto, and home equity loans. He later moved into mortgage originations at a credit union in the Mon Valley before joining Community Bank in 2015. In his first stint at Community Bank, Siebert developed expertise in business and commercial lending.
From there, Siebart accepted a role with a larger bank in Pittsburgh as an AVP, Commercial Relationship Manager, followed by five years in the nonprofit sector managing an economic development loan portfolio focused on Fayette County businesses. Now, he returns to Community Bank with a wealth of experience and enthusiasm.
“I’m happy to be back at Community Bank in my current role as Regional President of Southwest PA,” Siebart said. “There was certainly a level of familiarity for me. Although there are a lot of new faces at the bank, they maintain strong core values and culture.”
Community Bank has a longstanding history in Greene and Fayette Counties. Founded in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania in 1901, the bank continues to grow in an industry ruled by larger corporate banks.
“It’s incredibly impressive for a small community bank to maintain independence and grow after 124 years,” Siebert said. “We’re small enough to provide great service with local people, but we also have the technology and capability of our larger counterparts. I’m excited for our future.”
Siebert’s first plans in his new position is to meet with as many customers as possible to better understand their needs and how Community Bank can serve them best.
“I inherited a portfolio of customers in my geographic region, so I plan to meet with as many of them as I can,” he explains. “Ultimately, I’d like to grow our market share and make sure our bank is in the conversation when needs arise.”
Siebert considers his familiarity with the area as an asset to his job.
“Being local and knowing the lay of the land could be beneficial in my role,” he says. “While I am always still learning, my banking and lending background will be helpful. I have a lot of impressive colleagues that are able and willing to help me grow in my new role as well.”
He’s also passionate about giving back. “I’m an Executive Board member of the Industrial Development Authority in
Fayette County, a Loan Review Committee member for the Southwest Pennsylvania Commission, and I enjoy being part of our local chamber of commerce events,” Siebart said. “I enjoy volunteering my time for different organizations and nonprofits in the community when I can.”
Siebert enjoys being part of the community and serving his friends, neighbors, and local businesses. “I enjoy the closeknit feel of community banking,” he said. “Many of my colleagues live, work, and play in the communities we serve, so they are passionate about helping others. We truly care about our customers and their banking needs.”
As he steps into his new role, Siebart has a simple message: “Community Bank is open for business!”
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From bulls and bratwurst to spaghetti and scenic views, September brings week after week of action to Washington County, officially kickstarting fall festivities.
The fun kicks off with the Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest, happening September 19–21 in downtown Canonsburg. What started in 1998 as a small parking lot gathering hosted by the Deutsch Amerikanischer National Kongress has grown into one of the top Oktoberfests in the nation, according to USA Today. With nearly 20,000 fans of German culture expected to fill the streets of Canonsburg over the weekend, it is easy to see why this festival has become a beloved local tradition worth looking forward to.
Oktoberfest highlights the best-of-thebest of German cuisine, with
plenty of Bavarian favorites expected to populate the stalls of some of the region’s best food vendors that will be in attendance. Sourdough pretzels, turkey legs, schnitzel and sauerkraut are among those items worth sampling. The festival also offers plenty of classic fair-style offerings, so no attendee will leave hungry — or thirsty, for that matter, as beer tastings are also a highlight of the weekend. In addition to the food, the event features
carnival rides and games, live music, over 50 craft vendors and much more.
Those coming for some Germaninspired fun will want to stay the rest of the weekend, as the 54th annual EQT Washington & Greene Counties’ Covered Bridge Festival officially begins the fall season September 20-21. Explore nine charming and scenic covered bridges between the two counties — each with its own unique histories and festival sites — while shopping from local craft and artisan vendors, sampling homestyle foods and enjoying various historical reenactments, crafting demonstrations and live entertainment.
Later in the month, Little A Town Arena in Avella gears up for its third event of the season: Bulls, Bands & BBQ, happening September 20. This wild night of non-stop action combines some of the best country acts in the nation with heart-pounding bull riding and plenty of good-old-fashioned barbecue sure to please all ages. The night’s entertainment opens with awardwinning country artist Nathan King and Alabama native Justin Jeansonne before country music star Whey Jennings (grandson of country titan Waylon Jennings) lights up the stage.
Following the music, the arena opens up for skilled cowboys and cowgirls from across the region to compete in high-energy bull riding. Additionally, attendees will want to come ready to sample some of the best BBQ food trucks in the area while cheering on their favorite bull riders on the arena floor.
Last but most certainly not least, the Washington Italian Festival is rolling onto the streets of downtown Washington on September 27. Hosted by Primo Italiano Lodge 2800, the ninth edition of this festival is set to be the biggest and best yet, with the favorites of Italian cuisine — including homemade pasta, meatballs, sauces and more — set to take center stage of this ever-popular celebration of Italian heritage and culture in the region. The day’s festivities also include craft and artisan vendors, Italian dance demonstrations, local wine, music, games, contests and other activities.
Other September events in the county worth mentioning are the 23rd Annual Tour the Montour (September 13), the return of Four Chord Music Festival to EQT Park, home of the Washington Wild Things (September 13-14), the 60th Anniversary of the Bradford House Museum (September 14) and the Cecil Township Fall Festival (September 2728). For more events, visit GoWashCo.com.
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By Executive Director Muriel Nuttall
In 2026, America turns 250, and Fayette County will mark the milestone with a year of stories, service and celebration designed to do more than look back. Our 250th is about momentum: strengthening community pride, welcoming visitors and converting attention into long-term economic growth.
One of the most delightful faces of this effort is Fionna Fayette, our children’s history ambassador. Through school visits, a new children’s book and kid-friendly events at historic sites, Fionna helps young people see themselves in the region’s story, from early industry and innovation to the everyday neighbors who keep our communities strong. When children connect to local history, families follow, filling museums, theaters, restaurants and trails. That family traffic matters: it boosts sales for small businesses, drives overnight stays and introduces new audiences to the places that make Fayette special.
The 250th also elevates the work of local partners. Guided by the theme “Journey to Independence: From Revolution to Resilience,” we’re producing bite-sized features on Fayette history, hosting pop-up programs in our downtowns and collaborating on regional happenings that showcase our rivers, rail towns and rural landscapes. These aren’t just commemorations; they’re invitations that nudge residents and visitors to explore a little farther, stay a little longer and spend a little more.
Why does a commemorative year matter for economic development? Because attention is an engine. Big moments
create reasons to travel and invest. Festivals, heritage tours and outdoor adventures convert into measurable results: increased foot traffic, higher restaurant receipts and fuller hotel rooms. That revenue circulates, supporting local jobs, expanding the tax base and improving the quality of life. Perhaps most importantly, a successful 250th builds brand equity for Fayette County. When entrepreneurs and site selectors see a community that can plan, partner and pull off great experiences, they see a place worth betting on.
We’re also lifting service and stewardship. The “250 Hours of Service” recognition encourages volunteers to pour time and talent into nonprofits. That social capital is economic capital: clean, safe, welcoming places attract customers and confidence. Paired with thoughtful wayfinding, placemaking and small-business promotions, such as shop-local passports and heritage dining specials, the 250th becomes a platform for entrepreneurs to test ideas and for neighborhoods to shine.
Be part of the celebration by joining the Fayette Chamber of Commerce. Membership connects you with partners, events and promotions tied to the 250th, and it strengthens the voice of local business. If you are interested, call 724-4374571 or email info@fayettechamber.com.
Of course, legacy is the goal, creating signature experiences that can live on well past 2026. The 250th is our chance to connect past to future, honoring the people who built Fayette while opening doors for the next generation. Join us. Bring your family to an event, volunteer for a few hours or try a new local business. Together, we can celebrate who we are and build what comes next.
By Emily King
For Sara Hall, being selected to sit on the committee of Washington Auto Mall’s Driven By Hope program isn’t just part of her job; it’s a way to give back to the community that she loves.
Hall handles HR for Washington Honda, a part of Washington Auto Mall. Washington Auto Mall launched its Driven by Hope campaign along with the Observer-Reporter in 2024 to help support nonprofit organizations in Washington County.
A committee comprised of individuals from both the Auto Mall and the Observer-Reporter meets quarterly and chooses a deserving local non-profit organization to highlight each month for Driven By Hope. The dealership presents a cash award to the selected organization, and the ObserverReporter promotes the nonprofit with a news story that publicizes its work in the community, as well as social media exposure.
The purpose of this venture is to shine the spotlight on the critical work that nonprofits are doing right in the community.
“We want to make sure the nonprofit is a registered 501(c) (3), based here in Washington County and actively making an impact in the community. We especially love spotlighting smaller nonprofits that might not get as much recognition or support from larger sponsors,” says Hall.
Sara Hall joined the team at Washington Honda and Auto Mall in 2023. She was born and raised in Washington County and graduated from McGuffey High School.
“The people I work with are incredible, and I love that giving back to the community is such a big part of what we do,” says Hall. Washington Auto Mall also regularly sponsors youth sports teams and local events. She notes that she has felt loved and accepted by the team, and her coworkers have helped mentor and guide her as a professional.
Hall was thrilled when her friend and colleague, Jennifer Trapuzzano, selected her for the committee that chooses the recipients of the award. The idea for Driven by Hope was started by Trapuzzano.
“Jenn has such a big heart for the community, and she wanted to turn that passion into action — and I think she’s done just that,” says Hall.
“I’m always saying how I wish I could change the world or give everything I can to people in need, and this committee gives me a chance to actually do that,” she says.
The process of selecting a nonprofit to feature each month isn’t easy. The committee meets quarterly to review the candidates. Individuals in the community nominate some, and the committee
members propose others. Often, the selection will align with national awareness months, but not always.
“It’s collaborative, thoughtful and a little bit of ‘let’s see who we can bless next,’” she says.
Hall says that she loves learning about the different nonprofits in the community and feels honored to have the ability to support them in this way. She remembers a specific nonprofit that was particularly meaningful for her, Memories in the Makin’.
Memories in the Makin’ is a nonprofit that runs out of a horse farm in Avella and provides adaptive riding lessons for individuals with disabilities, special needs and veterans. Studies show that equine therapy helps with problem-solving skills, motor skills, emotional awareness, empathy and more. It is also proven to be beneficial in individuals with ADHD, PTSD, autism and traumatic brain injuries, just to name a few.
Hall felt a personal connection to the organization because she grew up with horses, and her son shares a special connection with them as well.
“The founder, Kennedy Hamilton, suffered a traumatic brain injury at a young age, which led to a speech delay. Her mom believes getting her first pony is what helped her start talking. That story hit home for me because my own son also had a speech delay (for different reasons), so I personally know how meaningful that breakthrough moment is,” says Hall.
Seeing the impact that Driven by Hope has had on the selected nonprofits has been incredibly encouraging for Hall and the other committee members.
“Many of the nonprofits have shared how much the spotlight has helped raise awareness for their mission and even brought them new volunteers and donors they didn’t have before.”
“One group even said it was the boost they needed to keep moving forward during a really tough season. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that something so simple as sharing their work can have such a big ripple effect,” she says.
As far as the future of Driven by Hope goes, Hall envisions growing the program to promote more community involvement, perhaps involving local schools and youth groups to encourage the next generation of adults to see the value in volunteering and giving back.
“At the end of the day, it’s about people helping people. Washington County is my home, and being part of something that makes life a little better for someone else? That’s what fills my cup. If we can put a smile on one person’s face or help one nonprofit keep its doors open, then we’re doing exactly what we’re meant to do.”
By Rick Shrum
Karyn Wallace is a true blue — and gold — West Virginian. She was born and raised in Fairmont; has three academic degrees from universities in the Mountain State; and has spent her entire career employed in the West Virginia University Health System.
She is still with that system, but now works north of the border.
Wallace took over as president and chief executive officer of WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital on June 3, assuming a position held previously by Carrie Willetts, who had been named chief administrative officer for WVU Health System. It is a system that Uniontown Hospital, founded in 1902, joined in 2020.
Wallace, who was hired following a national search, found the move to be energizing. That wasn’t surprising, as she exuded energy throughout an August telephone interview from her new office in downtown Uniontown.
Enthusiasm and energy appear to be personal trademarks.
“It’s been a really good experience so far,” she said two months in. “The people have been wonderful, and it’s a nice area as well. A hospital is important to a community, and it’s our responsibility to make it run.”
Wallace, of course, wants the Fayette facility to operate efficiently and effectively, and has been impressed with the personnel on board.
The numbers are impressive. According to wvumedicine.org, Uniontown Hospital has 161 beds, more than 1,000 employees and utilizes more than 200 medical staff working in 30-plus medical specialties.
“We have a dedicated team,” she said. “A lot of staff members have been here for many, many years, and we want to keep new team members who are committed to the hospital. It’s nice to see the level of commitment.”
Physicians, of course, are an integral part of the broad spectrum of health-care professionals, and the new president/CEO is pleased by the doctors she has encountered at WVU Uniontown. “They’ve really recruited great physicians here,” she said. “They are very talented and support each other well.”
“There is a great connection with me and the workforce here. It’s really a natural level of education.”
Expansion — of the health system and the region it serves — has been a priority for the hospital and health system. WVU Medicine Uniontown has been expanding its health-care offerings, adding robotic-assisted surgical procedures. It also has an Orthopedics and Spine Center, which debuted in January.
“That was a major expansion,” Wallace said. “It’s something we’re excited about.” We have to be ready for everything. We also hired three new orthopedic surgeons. We’re growing in size and specialization.
“Increased primary care,” she added, “is important because we see patients all the time. It has grown, and pediatrics are included in that.”
She said WVU Medicine “is looking at opportunities in the Connellsville area, but they’re not formulated.”
Education is a hallmark for the hospital’s new leader, who was born in Fairmont General Hospital. She earned a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s at WVU, and a bachelor’s in nuclear medicine technology at Wheeling Jesuit University.
Wallace worked for 24 years at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown — the flagship hospital for WVU Medicine and the largest hospital in the system. Ruby has a Level I trauma center and is the academic medical center of the WVU School of Medicine.
She said Uniontown Hospital’s proximity to Ruby — “only a 30-minute commute” — benefits individuals in need of care at either facility. “We’re there for victims of strokes and patients needing interventions.”
Karyn Wallace is gratified by what has transpired at WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital and within the system. She envisions more.
“We’re growing, really,” Wallace said. “It’s a 25-hospital system, and the goal is to continue working as a system. “I’m really happy to be part of the community and looking forward to working with a great team.
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