WEST VIRGINIA WONDER WOMEN
THE APPOINTEE KIMBERLY REED, BUCKHANNON
Former chairman of the board of directors, president, and CEO of the Export-Import Bank of the United States
PRIZED POSSESSIONS “When it came to my 2019 swearing-in ceremony at the White House, I knew I had to wear one of my most cherished possessions: my West Virginia Golden Horseshoe pin. I received this pin as an eighth grader at Buckhannnon-Upshur Middle School in 1985, and I will never forget being knighted as a Lady of the Order of the Golden Horseshoe by Governor Arch Moore. I hope that my legacy as the first woman and first West Virginian to lead EXIM reminds West Virginia teachers of the immense impact they can have on their students.” GRANDMOTHERS “My mother, Janet Logue Reed, died from cancer in 1980 when I was 9 years old. My late paternal grandmother, Avis Reed—or “Mommers”—stepped in to help raise me. She focused on every detail and made sure I was involved in 4-H and other activities to develop my leadership skills. I can still hear her saying to me with stern emphasis: ’Now, Kim, if anything is worth doing, it’s worth doing right!’ Mommers was the epitome of a Wonder Woman.” ADVICE “Show up. Study hard. Work hard. Ask questions. Focus. Have mentors. Be open. Help others. Embrace those Mountaineer values—service, curiosity, respect, accountability, and appreciation—that tie West Virginians together.” HLT
86 wvliving.com • fall 2021
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