PERSONNEL FILE: Ballard elected president of Charleston Area Alliance

CHARLESTON -- Matthew Ballard has been elected President and CEO of the Charleston Area Alliance by a unanimous vote of its board of directors.

Ballard, currently the Alliance's Executive Vice President, will succeed Bill Goode who announced his resignation at the September Alliance Board meeting. Goode will become the Vice President of Sales at Jacobs Financial Group, a Charleston-based company.

Ballard joined the Alliance in October 2005. His focus at the Alliance has been on economic and business development, as well as transportation issues and Charleston Chamber of Commerce governmental activity. Ballard has played an integral role in the recruitment of international companies to West Virginia and Kanawha County, creating new investment and jobs.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Ballard served for three years as the Executive Director of the popular Hatfield-McCoy Trails, one of the top tourist destinations in West Virginia. Ballard's academic background includes an undergraduate degree from Alderson Broaddus College and a Masters of Public Administration from West Virginia University.

Goode said the appointment of Ballard by the Board will be fruitful for the Alliance.

"I have been impressed with Matt's abilities and energy," Goode said. "I am very excited for Matt, the Alliance and the community."