Professional Spotlight Series Impact

Professional Spotlight Series

Interview with Dr. Michael Davis

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Dr. Michael Davis, President
Current Profession: President of Fairmont State University
Spotlight Segment: 08/26/2025

Dr. Michael “Mike” Davis began his tenure as the 27th President of Fairmont State University in July of 2023 and immediately committed himself to positioning Fairmont State as the best regional university in West Virginia.

He guided the creation of a robust Strategic Vision. This vision — for the University to become a Great Place to Learn, to Work, and to Call Home — will guide Fairmont State throughout the next decade.

Prior to assuming the leadership role at Fairmont State, Dr. Davis was Chief of Staff at James Madison University (JMU). In that role, Dr. Davis managed JMU’s presidential priorities and directed matters of policy and institutional importance, including strategic planning, institutional research, and accreditation.

President Davis earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies from the University of Georgia. He also holds a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication and Rhetorical Studies from Syracuse University.

President Davis believes that higher education is fueled by relationships. His interactions with students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, legislators and friends of the university foster teamwork, regularly propel innovative partnerships and position Fairmont State University as a Great Place to Learn, a to Work, and to Call Home.

Interview with Deborah Bennett

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Deborah Bennett, Alumni
Current Profession: CEO Orca Golf
Spotlight Segment: 05/14/2025

Deborah Bennett is the CEO and Co-Founder of ORCA GOLF, a premium, minority-owned golf brand specializing in bespoke, high-performance golf bags and accessories. Under her leadership, ORCA GOLF has grown from a bold vision into a nationally recognized brand known for its commitment to craftsmanship, customization, and inclusion within the golf industry.

With a dynamic career that spans executive leadership, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, Deborah brings a unique blend of strategic thinking, operational excellence, and purpose-driven innovation. Prior to launching ORCA GOLF, she held leadership roles in technology and business development for over 37 years, where she consistently delivered transformational growth across diverse sectors.

At ORCA GOLF, Deborah leads with integrity and a mission to elevate both the game and those who play it. She has guided the company through its foundational years and into a phase of rapid national expansion, including the onboarding of a highly experienced professional sales team and the development of a new fulfillment and manufacturing hub.

As a trailblazing female executive in a traditionally male-dominated industry, she is passionate about breaking barriers, mentoring future leaders, and ensuring that every golfer—regardless of background—feels represented and respected.

Deborah is a proud West Virginia native and an alumna of Fairmont State University and West Virginia University. Her return to the state to establish ORCA GOLF's operational headquarters reflects her deep commitment to giving back through job creation, economic revitalization, and investing in the future of her home state

Interview with Rick Rock

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Rick Rock, Fairmont State Alumni
Current Profession: Airport Director, North Central WV Airport
Spotlight Segment: 05/07/2025

Rick graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting to which he completed his CPA designation.

Since 2009, he has been the Airport Director for the North Central WV Airport while serving as the Executive Director of the Harrison County EMS responsible for leading a team of healthcare professionals.

Rick is currently overseeing a $25 million expansion project for the airport which includes a new terminal. The new terminal is expected to contribute to significant economic growth, with an estimated $1.1 billion impact.

Rick is married to Stephanie Martino Rock who graduated with a double major from Fairmont State University.

Interview with Seth Davis

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Seth Davis, Alumni
Current Profession: Principal with Baker Tilly
Spotlight Segment: 04/23/2025

Seth Davis is a principal with Baker Tilly’s commercial services practice. With more than 25 years of experience in public accounting. Seth is focused on coordinating relevant U.S. federal, state and local, and international tax services that are aligned with each company’s business objectives. His experience includes serving growth oriented, privately held and publicly traded companies operating in a wide variety of industries, including aerospace and defense, government contracting, technology, media and entertainment, banking and financial services, and manufacturing/distribution.

Seth has extensive experience with federal and state income tax planning, accounting for income taxes (ASC 740 and IAS 12), and helping companies analyze the tax and financial implications of various merger and acquisition scenarios. His passion is serving as a strategic principal to the firm’s clients with the intent of adding value to each organization.

Interview with Maura Cahill

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Maura Cahill, Alumni
Current Profession: Owner, Penn Oaks Winery
Spotlight Segment: 04/09/2025

Ms. Cahill graduated from Fairmont State College in 1984 with a Bachelor of Biology. While attending FSC, she also had the privilege to be on the swimming team and is in the FSU Hall of Fame for swimming. She was honored with the Easton K. Feaster Award, All American, Academic All American and first female All American for FSC. Her biology degree fostered her entrance to Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, PA to earn a Master of Physical Therapy in 1986.

She is a practicing Physical Therapist specializing in orthopedic injuries. Her passion for all forms of Biology transitioned to owning and operating a vineyard and winery with her spouse, Jan Luigard, who also graduated from FSC. Together with their family, they operate Penn Oaks Winery in Cooksville, MD.

Interview with Lauren O'Brien

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Lauren O'Brien, Alumni
Current Profession: Project Designer
Spotlight Segment: 03/26/2025

Lauren Smith O'Brien is a project designer with the K-12 practice area at McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture in Charleston, South Carolina. She plays an integral role in designing impactful and inspiring educational spaces that support student growth and learning. A proud alumna of Fairmont State University, Lauren earned her Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree in 2007, which provided her with a strong foundation for her career in design.

Lauren's work at MPS reflects her dedication to creating functional and engaging environments for K-12 schools, helping educators and students thrive. Her passion for designing spaces that enhance the educational experience has made her a valued member of her team.

When she's not working on school projects, Lauren enjoys staying connected with her home state with the Lowcountry Mountaineers, painting, deep sea fishing with her husband, spending time with her two rescue dogs, and contributing to the Charleston community.

Interview with Jeff Fansler

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Jeff Fansler, Alumni
Current Profession: Director of Transportation
Spotlight Segment: 02/26/2025

Jeff Fansler is the Director of Transportation for the City of Winston-Salem where He has spent His entire professional career furthering transportation equity, promoting mobility options, and developing quality transportation solutions. After graduating from Fairmont State University with an Electronic Engineering degree, Jeff was hired as the Traffic Signal System Technician. After exposure to municipal traffic engineering processes, Jeff was promoted to Transportation Engineer where he oversaw major transportation infrastructure projects, managed site plan development review procedures, and coordinated with engineers and architects to build quality transportation systems throughout Winston-Salem. In 2018, Jeff was promoted to Deputy Director of Transportation with distinct responsibilities over the traffic engineering and traffic maintenance divisions. His time as Deputy Director included successfully completing major infrastructure rehabilitation projects such as the Old Salem streetscape and utility improvements project and the Business 40 betterments project that included partnering with NCDOT for the Strollway and Green Street Pedestrian Bridges. In April 2023, Jeff was named Director of Transportation where He provides management oversight for the Winston-Salem public transportation system, long range transportation planning, and transportation operations for the City of Winston-Salem.

Interview with Jonathon Board

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Jonathon Board, Alumni
Current Profession: Executive Director of WV First Foundation
Spotlight Segment: 02/12/2025

Jonathan Board holds Bachelor of Science from Fairmont State University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the West Virginia University College of Law. He is a well-published author of various topics, primarily discussing public health, alternative dispute resolution, and historical legal theory.

Mr. Board served as policy advisor over state and federal agencies, providing research andlegislative authorship expanding interoperability, access to care, and technology governance.Additionally, Jonathan served as a health governance consultant, offering external guidancecovering the Veterans Health Administration, Department of Defense, CMS Innovation Center,
the Government Oversight and Accountability Office, and the West Virginia Legislature.In recent years, Mr. Board held the position of Director of Public Policy for Mon Health System, Vice President of External Affairs for Vandalia Health, and, in 2024, was appointed by AttorneyGeneral Patrick Morrisey as Executive Director of the West Virginia First Foundation.

Jonathan is a proud fifth generation West Virginian, a state where he and his wife happily
choose to raise their four children.

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