Fostering Solutions

• Leading with Innovation: Linda Bodie's Trailblazing Role in Credit Union Evolution

  With a vibrant career beginning in 1998 at Element Federal Credit Union, Linda Bodie has modernized the way her credit union serves her community. As CEO, she blends analytical prowess with creative innovation to develop solutions that not only meet but anticipate consumer needs. Her leadership was instrumental in securing the medical cannabis banking contract for the State of West Virginia in 2019, propelling the state's medical program into successful implementation and ongoing operations. Linda's commitment to inclusivity and leadership is evident through her co-founding roles in CU Pride, an LGBTQ+ association for credit union professionals, and CUWLA, a national organization empowering female CEOs of smaller credit unions. Her influence extends across various local and national boards, dedicating her expertise to projects that champion human rights, equality, and justice. Her achievements have been recognized widely, culminating in receiving the prestigious Herb Wegner Memorial Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in 2023. This accolade celebrates her significant contributions to the credit union industry.  

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• Creating Order Out of Chaos: Gail Pitchford's New Chapter in Home Organization

  Gail Pitchford is a lifelong resident of West Virginia, having grown up in the Charleston area. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business from West Virginia State University and a master’s degree in business from West Virginia University.   Gail dedicated 25 years to the banking industry, most notably as Senior Vice President of Wealth Management at BB&T, now Truist. In this role, she supervised a team of professionals and managed the delivery of comprehensive financial services to high-net-worth clients.   Following her banking career, Gail transitioned to healthcare philanthropy, serving as President of the CAMC Foundation. The CAMC Foundation is the fundraising arm of Charleston Area Medical Center, a 1,000-bed tertiary hospital in West Virginia's capital. During her 15-year tenure, Gail led all fundraising and grant-making efforts, successfully raising $15 million to establish a free-standing, multidisciplinary cancer center at CAMC. She retired from the foundation in 2021 and maintains her certification as a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).   In 2022, Gail pursued her passion for creating organized and peaceful living spaces by founding Pro Clutter Buster, a home organizing business. She assists clients in overcoming decluttering and organizing challenges, providing long-term solutions to maintain clutter-free environments.   Gail has a strong commitment to community service, demonstrated through various volunteer roles. She served on the Board of Governors at West Virginia State University for 10 years and is currently a Commissioner on the Higher Education Policy Commission of West Virginia. Additionally, she serves as President of the Board of Trustees of the Craik-Patton House Foundation, Inc., which preserves the historic Craik-Patton House and Museum. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority Employee Wellness Board. An active member of the Rotary Club of Charleston, WV, Gail is also an avid runner, having competed in numerous 5k and 10k races, multiple half-marathons, and completed the New York City Marathon.   Gail is married to Dr. Augustinus Lobach, a retired family practice physician, and they reside in Charleston, WV.  

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• Transforming Ideas into Enterprises: Nora Myers on Supporting Women and Minority-Owned Businesses

  Nora Myers is the Executive Director of the West Virginia Women’s Business Center, a program of Partner Community Capital. In this role, she oversees business support services and access to capital for women and minority-owned small businesses. Throughout her career, she has worked extensively with start-up organizations. She served as the LaunchLab Director at West Virginia University’s Beckley campus and as the Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship Center at the University of Charleston, where she was the operational assistance partner for Adena Ventures. In this capacity, she provided business development support to numerous companies across the state seeking venture capital.   Nora has experience as a commercial lender in the Washington, DC area, serving small to medium-sized enterprises. She is a graduate of the Venture Capital Institute in Atlanta and holds an MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, Bloomington, as well as a BS in Management from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Additionally, she serves on the boards of the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council, the Fund for the Arts, and Kanawha Valley NOW.  

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• Championing Local Growth and Entrepreneurship: Insights from Terrell Ellis

  Terrell Ellis is a West Virginian by choice. She believes that our state has tremendous untapped potential to be the best place in the country to live, work, and play. She has dedicated her professional life to helping communities realize this potential.   Terrell Ellis's career path is unique and impactful. She began her journey focusing on downtown revitalization, working locally and statewide with the state’s capital city, Charleston, and the WV Main Street program. Her work involved directing and providing technical assistance for diverse projects, from riverfront development to historic preservation and financing programs. This early experience laid the foundation for her future success in community and economic revitalization.    Subsequently, Ms. Ellis served as the Principal of Terrell Ellis & Associates, a consulting practice that provides support to the public and private sectors on issues related to community and economic revitalization.  She worked nationally on community and economic development initiatives, emphasizing small to medium-sized rural communities.     In 2023, Ms. Ellis made a significant career move, closing her consulting practice to become the President & CEO of Advantage Valley, a 9-county regional economic development organization. In this role, she has successfully leveraged millions of federal funding to support regional business attraction and retention, entrepreneurship, development of outdoor recreation assets, and industrial site development efforts. Her unique collaboration with regional partners has led to the creation of hundreds of new jobs and millions of private reinvestment in the region, demonstrating the tangible impact of her work.   In addition to her Bachelor of Arts degree in urban affairs from Virginia Tech, Ms. Ellis is also a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional. She volunteers in leadership roles for numerous local, state, and national organizations. Ms. Ellis is the proud mother of four daughters.  

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• Driving Compassion: The Dual Career of Shamika Robinson

  Shamika Robinson spent most of her life in a suburb of Los Angeles, California, and has been living in Charleston, WV since late 2015. She was raised in a family that emphasized helping others, which shaped her career dedicated to service. Shamika worked for five years at the Charleston-Kanawha Housing Authority in Charleston, WV, starting as a Housing Specialist and quickly rising to Inspections Supervisor. She is currently a licensed Mortgage Loan Officer in West Virginia, working for a non-profit lender.   In May 2020, Shamika established Luv Enterprises LLC, a car rental service that became profitable in 2022. Her 25-year career in social services includes roles in residential recovery services, homelessness prevention and assistance, family reunification, and child development. Shamika discovered that car rental services could benefit from a more human touch, extending her passion for social services into this new venture. Today, Luv Enterprises provides some of the most innovative car rental solutions in the market.  

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