CONTRIBUTORSFall Lisa Affolter Lisa Affolter is a cum laude graduate from Marshall University who received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design in May 2006. In addition to designing magazines, Affolter works on a variety of projects including print advertising, business proposals and Web sites. She may be reached at (304) 941-0600, ext. 12, or via e-mail at lna@wvexecutive.com.
Kevin Balsan A native of San Jose, CA, Kevin Balsan was an aircraft crew chief for the Air Force. He earned degrees in aircraft technology, business and management from Hawaii Pacific University while serving his country. After an honorable discharge, he worked for McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Company and earned his MBA from Golden Gate University. Balsan has run three contract manufacturing companies dealing with medical devices, semi-conductor equipment and aerospace products. He joined Aurora Flight Sciences in January 2012 as the general manager for West Virginia.
Dan Berglund Dan Berglund is the president and CEO of SSTI, a nonprofit organization that leads, supports and strengthens efforts to improve state and regional economies through science, technology and innovation. Prior to joining SSTI, Berglund worked as a consultant and for the Ohio Department of Development in a variety of positions, including acting deputy director of the Division of Technological Innovation. Berglund holds bachelor’s degrees in economics, political science and history from Ohio University.
John Bobo Former head of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration, John Bobo is an attorney who writes on a variety of legal and technology issues. His book, “The Best Story Wins: And Other Advice for New Prosecutors,” is an Amazon Kindle Best-Seller in litigation. He is particularly interested in spotlighting the smart ideas that, if adopted, can make a difference in the world.
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David Cuthbertson David Cuthbertson is the assistant director of the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division in Clarksburg. He oversees programs that provide essential services to the law enforcement and intelligence communities. Hired as an FBI special agent in September 1988, Cuthbertson has served in several leadership positions across the nation, including at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Just prior to his current appointment in July 2011, he served as the special agent in charge of the FBI’s El Paso Division.
Gerrill Griffith Gerrill Griffith is a professional communicator whose writing portfolio includes work in the news media, federal government, higher education, private industry and politics. A Wheeling native, Griffith has written for the WVU Research Corporation, West Virginia private industries, Wheeling Jesuit University and former Congressman Alan Mollohan. He began his career as a reporter for The Dominion Post. He is currently affiliated with DG Wordmasters, a writing service featuring more than 60 years of creative experience.
Kevin Highlander Kevin Highlander is a tax partner with Hayflich Grigoraci PLLC. Highlander has 11 years of experience consulting on complex tax matters for corporations and partnerships and serving as a trusted advisor to businesses around the state. He specializes in auto dealers, manufacturers and energyrelated concerns. Highlander also serves on the boards of the West Virginia Child Advocacy Network and the Bridgemont Community & Technical College Foundation. He lives in Charleston with his wife, Ann, and their six kids.
Jeff James Jeff James is the founder and CEO of Mythology, a global marketing management consulting firm, and is co-founder and chairman of Create WV. James spent 14 years at Microsoft Corporation in a variety of marketing management roles in which he worked with diverse partners such as United Airlines, Disney and Janet Jackson. A native of Glenville, WV, James returned to West Virginia in 2005 to develop his entrepreneurial initiatives. He lives in Charleston with his two very creative daughters.
Dennis Jarvis, II Dennis Jarvis, II, is the director of the Upper Kanawha Valley Economic Development Corporation and serves as an economic development specialist at the Center for Environmental, Geotechnical and Applied Sciences at Marshall University. Jarvis holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Bluefield State College and a master’s in political science from Marshall. He also served as the director of the Mine Safety Technology Consortium, an EDA investment project that assisted with the design and development of innovations for mine safety and related technologies.
Jill McIntyre Jill McIntyre, a lawyer with Jackson Kelly PLLC, has been following the development of electronic discovery law since 2006 and regularly advises clients and colleagues about related best practices, ethical duties and technologies. She recently worked to prepare for implementation of Colorado’s Civil Access Pilot Project. A native of Marshall County, WV, and a graduate of West Virginia University and the University of Richmond School of Law, McIntyre is a founding member of the Appalachian Institute of Digital Evidence.