2020 West Virginia Wonder Woman Sharon Cruikshank

The mothers, the millennials, and the mavens. Changing our communities.

This is our seventh annual unveiling of 50 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. Meet this West Virginia Wonder Woman, Sharon Cruikshank, and many more that are creating a better West Virginia with their can-do attitudes and Mountain State spirit.

It Takes a Village

Sharon Cruikshank is the first female mayor of Fayetteville, and she believes a small gesture like sweeping the sidewalks goes a long way in showing others she cares about her community.

Cruikshank grew up in her grandmother’s home on Blume Hill, behind the Fayette County Courthouse. “Fayetteville raised me,” she says. “I was taught never to forget where you come from and never to forget to serve the community that raised you.”

Prior to her role as mayor, Cruikshank served for 22 years as president of the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, as executive director at the New River Gorge Convention and Visitors Bureau, and as chair of the Bridge Day Commission. She also served for 18 years on the Fayetteville City Council.

During Cruikshank’s mayoral campaign in 2019, constituents asked Cruikshank what she stood for. Her reply? “The good news is, I believe in treating everyone the same.” Cruikshank’s favorite aspect of her job is interacting with the community. “Serving others is just what I do,” she says.