Meet The WV Team

President

ZMO, MBA 

(Zee-Moe)

HOBY Year: 2008

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Why have you come back as a volunteer? ​

• I was lucky as a child to have it instilled in me that volunteering is important. I had a really transformative experience during my ambassador year and due to that decided returning as a volunteer was something I wanted to do for a very long time. Going to a HOBY seminar feels like witnessing magic right in front of you - and I would be crazy to not chase that feeling as often as I can. I come back because HOBY gives me purpose and I truly believe in what we're doing.

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How has HOBY helped you as a leader?

• There isn't anything I've been involved in for as long as I have been with HOBY. I have come back every year in some capacity since 2008. As a teenager, HOBY helped me understand the principles and traits of leadership. As I've grown in them, I've been able to adapt them to my personality. HOBY has provided an avenue to safely explore and confirm how I approach leadership. I'm grateful I can look back over 16+ years and recognize how much I've continued to learn about leadership in the process of volunteering.

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What advice would you give to a young person looking to become a leader?

• I have three pieces of advice. First, don't focus on titles. Leadership within a group relies on it's members, not just those with formal titles or roles. If you focus on contributing passionately, your leadership will be seen. A title does not a leader make. Second, don't attempt to be a leader in everything you love. Sometimes becoming a leader means pulling back the curtain on how things operate, and opening that curtain can sometimes ruin the magic of the thing you love. Third, always lead with empathy and conviction. Being sensitive and open to the opinions of others will help you get out of your own way sometimes. But also, trust your gut!

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Vice-President

Kathryn Shields

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Secretary

Lisa Ryan, PsyD

HOBY Year: 1998

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Why have you come back as a volunteer? ​

• After my ambassador year, I volunteered for 14 consecutive years in multiple roles for HOBYWV. Professional and personal development resulted in a break from volunteering, but in 2023 I was thrilled to be welcomed back into the HOBYWV family to serve an organization that cultivated the potential in me as a young person that led to many of my successes as an adult. As I find myself in a position at this point in my life to give back to the organization, I’m thrilled to be nurturing the next generation of West Virginia’s youth.

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How has HOBY helped you as a leader?

• My ambassador year, I was exposed to the idea that leadership may present in different ways based on a person’s personality, desires, strengths, and goals. That helped me find the leadership style that best fit me. Since then, I’ve been able to depend on the relationships and contacts I’ve made in the organization to continue nurturing my leadership skills through friendship and mentorship.

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What does leadership mean to you, and how do you practice it in your own life?

• As the Clinical Lead of an outpatient mental health clinic, I am the point person for mental health practitioners and the liaison between them, the administrative staff, and the hospital leadership. I utilize leadership skills every day by facilitating communication between individuals, addressing concerns related to how the clinic runs, and diffusing situations with patients. Most often in my work, leadership means demonstrating and creating an atmosphere of safety and kindness in which effective and honest communication can take place and individuals can feel comfortable being their authentic selves in order to help others.

Treasurer

Tiffany Hoffman

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Director of Fundraising

Anneliese Kaczmarek

HOBY Year: 2014

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Why have you come back as a volunteer? ​

• I’ve come back as a volunteer because the mission and values of HOBY WV align perfectly with what I believe in—empowering others, fostering leadership, and creating positive change. Every time I volunteer, I not only contribute to this incredible cause but also learn more about myself and grow as a leader. Leaving each experience more energized, inspired, and equipped to make a difference.

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How has HOBY helped you as a leader?

• HOBY has been instrumental in shaping my journey as a leader by inspiring me to approach challenges from different perspectives and see situations through the eyes of others. The experience introduced me to a diverse group of thoughtful and kind fellow leaders whose insights and shared experiences broadened my understanding of leadership and collaboration. HOBY also taught me the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, even in difficult situations, and showed me that optimism and empathy are powerful tools in leading and empowering others.

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What does leadership mean to you, and how to you practice it in your own life?

• To me, leadership is about serving a cause by empowering and supporting others to reach their full potential. It’s not just about giving orders or taking control, but about creating an environment where people feel valued, heard, and inspired to contribute their unique strengths toward a shared goal. I practice leadership in my own life by listening to others, offering encouragement, and ensuring everyone has the resources and confidence they need to succeed.​

Volunteer Coordinator

Bennett Anderson

HOBY Year: 2003

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Why have you come back as a volunteer? ​

• This organization changed my life! I wouldn't be who I am or where I am today without HOBY WV, so I want to help give that same amazing transformational experience to other West Virginians.

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How has HOBY helped you as a leader?

• HOBY helped me identify my leadership style and feel confidence in my own approach.

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What advice would you give to a young person looking to become a leader?

• Don't get hung up on defining leadership or whether you are one or not. Just be one! Leadership looks different to different people. Stepping up and being the first person to support another person's vision is still being a leader!

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What future goals do you have for HOBY, and how do you see the organization growing?

• One of the beautiful things about HOBY is that is an organization of volunteer leaders by volunteer leaders, and I want to make sure everyone who helps to make seminar possible feels empowered and inspired, just like our amazing Ambassadors!

Leadership Seminar Chair

Mindy Robinson

HOBY Year: 2005

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Why have you come back as a volunteer? ​

• I return year after year to volunteer with HOBY WV because I believe in its mission. This organization has impacted me in countless ways over the years, and I want to share that impact with others by volunteering in different roles. HOBY has empowered me to create change wherever I can, and I choose to do that through my continued involvement with HOBY WV.

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How has HOBY helped you as a leader?

• My leadership has evolved over the years, shaped by the different roles I’ve taken on, each one presenting opportunity for learning and growth. HOBY has been instrumental in this journey by giving me access to a network of fellow leaders to lean on for support when needed. The mentors I’ve had, both past and current volunteers, have taught me the importance of persevering, being adaptable, self-care is necessary, and to always remember why I choose to return year after year. I’m eager to see what I learn in this new year of volunteering as Leadership Seminar Chair for the 2025 HOBY WV Seminar.

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How has your experience on the board helped you grow personally or professionally?

• As a first-time board member, I’ve learned a great deal about collaboration and decision-making. I’ve experienced how to professionally disagree while still moving forward to accomplish our goals. Being on a board means recognizing that it’s a democracy—everyone’s opinions matter, but we are united in working toward the same objectives. I look forward to continuing my professional growth alongside my fellow board members as we work together to guide the organization.

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What advice would you give to a young person looking to become a leader?

• If you’re a young person wanting to become a leader, my advice is to take every chance to learn and grow, even when things get tough. Leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about listening, working with others, and being there for your team. Stay flexible, stay true to yourself, and know that leadership is a process. Every experience will teach you something new. Find mentors and other leaders to guide you, and always remember that being a leader is more about helping others than just reaching your own
  goals.

Leadership Seminar Vice-Chair

Kimberly Wallace, PhD

HOBY Year: 2002

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Why have you come back as a volunteer? ​

• I return as a volunteer because I believe in HOBY’s mission and see it come to life in our ambassadors and volunteers every year.

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How has HOBY helped you as a leader?

• HOBY helps me become a better leader every day as I work with volunteers with different leadership styles. The people around me in this organization make me better.

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In what ways do you see HOBY making an impact on the students who attend the seminars?

• Each seminar, I can see the same growth and understanding in the ambassadors that I recognized in myself in 2002. This program empowers young people to know 1) there are other people just like them, trying to make a difference in this world, 2) each person has the ability to change the world around them, and 3) they don’t have to change anything about themselves to do so. 

Member-At-Large / Legal Counsel

Jack Swiney

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