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.”
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER 2021 WEST VIRGINIA WONDER WOMEN
Learn more about our Wonder Women
Since 2014 WV Living magazine has been honoring West Virginia Wonder Women, amazing women who are raising the bar in their communities, serving as beacons of light in their industries, and forcing change for the greater good. WV Living is proud to celebrate these Appalachian mothers, millennials, and mavens proving that in a time full of uncertainty, divisiveness, and hate, love for one another is all we really need. No need for bulletproof bracelets or a golden lasso of truth—these women are creating a better West Virginia with their can-do attitudes and Mountain State spirit.
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