*** Manchin, Magrath to speak at Leadership Conference

MORGANTOWN -- Gov. Joe Manchin, West Virginia University Interim President Peter Magrath and West Virginia businessman W. Marston Becker, Chairman and CEO of Max Capital Group Limited, will be among the noted speakers at the 7th Annual West Virginia Leadership Conference, to be held April 29–30 in Morgantown.

"We are honored to once again have an outstanding program which includes nationally recognized leaders, such as Governor Manchin, President Magrath and Marty Becker. These individuals are willing to candidly share their thoughts, ideals and leadership experiences, including transitioning within organizations, positions and changing circumstances," said Paul Arbogast, President of the West Virginia Roundtable, which presents the annual conference.

Also featured at the conference will be panel discussions with West Virginia leaders who will share personal experiences and perspectives on transitions, including Robert R. Simpson, Jr., CPA of Dixon Hughes PLLC; Susan S. Brewer, CEO and Robert M. Steptoe, Jr., Chairman, of Steptoe & Johnson PLLC; Ed DeCosta, President of Catalyst Associates; David C. Hardesty, Jr. President Emeritus and Professor of Law WVU College of Law; and Kathryn Johnson, Director in the Engineering Solutions Organization of The Dow Chemical Company.

This year the conference will center on "Transitions in Leadership," and will feature the work of keynote speaker, Dr. Michael D. Watkins.

"Dr. Watkins is a widely-published expert on leadership," Arbogast said. "He is author of the international bestseller The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at all Levels. Watkins' book has become the standard reference for leaders in transition."

The annual leadership conference brings together current and future leaders from across the state to focus on important leadership values and ideals. Prior conferences have provided valuable opportunities for business, education and community leaders to network with others and discuss leadership principles important to shaping our future.

The conference will be held at the Waterfront Place Hotel in Morgantown, and will feature an interactive session with Dr. Watkins as well as panel discussions.

Those wishing to register or find additional information are invited to visit the Leadership Conference website at http://www.wvleadershipconference.org.

The West Virginia Leadership Conference is a project of the West Virginia Roundtable and the event's title sponsor is West Virginia University. Conference sponsors include Bowles Rice McDavid Graff & Love LLP; Dixon Hughes PLLC; Jackson Kelly PLLC; Spilman Thomas and Battle, PLLC; The State Journal; Steptoe and Johnson PLLC and United Bank.