THE MAVEN OF ORGANIZATION

Marianne Taylor

Executive Director, Summersville Arena and Conference Center

SUPERPOWERS: Organization, detail-orientation, and people skills

Growing up in Clarksburg, Marianne Taylor dreamed of going to law school, but life had different plans. After marrying, she stayed at home to raise her four children and became actively involved in her community and its associations, developing impressive organizational skills along the way. That skill set, combined with her ability to talk easily with people, set her up for success later when she and her husband moved to Summersville and instantly felt a part of the community.

Now at the Summersville Arena and Conference Center, Taylor’s years of juggling the many needs of children and the organizations she was part of have come in handy on the job. “Every day, I communicate with people from all walks of life and wear a lot of different hats,” she shares. “Every day is different.”

Taylor strives to bring events to Summersville that can benefit the community and to help the ones already established to thrive, and she overwhelmingly succeeds. From the Nicholas County Potato Festival to the Summersville Christmas Store and holiday movie nights, the community has a lot to offer. Taylor is particularly proud of a new electronic message board that has been years in the works—a double-faced LED sign that will display to passersby the events and attractions that Summersville has to offer.

“As the years have passed, I’ve realized that life takes you down many different paths, and you need to make the most of those opportunities. Take things that don’t go as planned and turn them around into positive change.” Though Taylor didn’t see herself in the career she has today, it has turned out to be her dream job. “It really has been quite the adventure.”

Written by Tara Wine-Queen

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER 2023 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.