Fiscal Year 2024–2025
Presented by: Ann Haight, President
The West Virginia Bar Foundation held its Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 5, 2025 to review the accomplishments of the past year, discuss ongoing initiatives, and confirm leadership for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting highlighted the Foundation’s strong progress in supporting the legal profession and promoting justice throughout the state.
Program and Event Highlights:
- Lunch and Laughs with a Legal Legend featuring Judge Moats was a resounding success, bringing together members of the legal community for camaraderie and fundraising.
- The Bar Foundation Fellows Dinner honored distinguished members of the legal profession for their service and leadership.
- The Lawyer Leadership Institute continued to develop young attorneys through mentorship and training, fostering future leaders in the West Virginia legal community.
Grants and Scholarships:
- The Foundation awarded targeted grants supporting critical needs, including funding for Guardian ad Litem representation.
- The Larry Starcher Public Service Scholarship continues to promote legal careers in public interest law, with additional outreach and financial support this year.
Strategic Initiatives:
Progress was made on several components of the Foundation’s Strategic Plan, including:
- Increased fundraising efforts and donor engagement.
- Expansion of the Foundation’s social media presence and communications outreach.
- Enhanced partnerships and visibility across West Virginia’s legal and civic communities.
Financial Overview:
The Foundation maintains a strong financial position:
- Net revenue of more than $55,000 for Fiscal Year 2024–2025.
- The Justice Fund reached a value of $1,606,565, marking a $100,000 increase over the previous year.
- The FY 2025–2026 budget was reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors during its earlier Board Meeting.
Leadership Updates:
The Nominating Committee presented and received approval for the following individuals to serve as a three year term (2025-2028) for the Board of Directors:
- Norwood Bentley, Martinsburg
- Sandra Chapman, Wheeling
- Olubunmi Kusimo-Frazier, Charleston
- L. Jill McIntyre, Lewisburg
- Barry Taylor, Huntington
The following individuals were elected as Officers for the 2025-2026 fiscal year:
- President: David Morrison
- Vice President: Judge Jack Alsop
- Secretary-Treasurer: Barry Taylor
- Immediate Past President: Ann Haight
Special recognition was given to Ann Haight for her exemplary leadership during her term as President and to Teresa Dumire for her years of dedicated service to the Foundation.
Closing Remarks:
In her closing message, Ann Haight thanked the Board Members, committees, and supporters for their commitment to the Foundation’s mission. She encouraged continued advocacy and outreach to further strengthen the impact of the Bar Foundation throughout the state.
