At their annual convention held at the Embassy Suites on November 15-16, 2024, the state chapter of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT-West Virginia) elected new leadership for their organization.
Kristie Skidmore, a 30-year veteran teacher from Randolph County, was elected president of the union. Skidmore has served as a member at large on the AFT-West Virginia Executive Board since 2017 and is the current president of AFT-Randolph County. Former President Fred Albert retired after a 6-year stint as president.
Skidmore, elected to a 3-year term, begins the role immediately and will speak at this week’s PEIA public hearings in Morgantown and Charleston. She will continue navigating the union through the ongoing merger discussions with the West Virginia Education Association.
“Being elected to represent the members is not just an honor—it's a responsibility that I hold dear. I am truly honored to represent our dedicated teachers and service personnel, whose work and commitment to the children of our state inspires me every day. While we are facing tough challenges in public education and the labor movement, I know that our collective commitment will be a strong voice for education employees and the students they serve,” remarked AFT-WV President Kristie Skidmore.
The following activists were elected to the remaining officer positions:
- Vice-President -Josh Gary, from Marshall County
- Secretary - Angie Turkelson, from Putnam County
- Treasurer- Justin Altizer, from Lincoln County
Elected as Executive Board Members-at-Large:
- Lynneia Atkinson. Jefferson County
- Andy Bird, Putnam County
- Meg Britt, Kanawha County
- Brittany Dolly, Clay County
- Jake Fertig, Kanawha County
- John Foley, Marion County
- Tracy McClanahan, Cabell County
- Tena McElwain, Monongalia County Service Personnel
- Greg Merritt, Wood County
- Amy Neal, Cabell County
- Amelia Roedersheimer, Wood County
- Carol Roskos, Monongalia County
- Michelle Tenney, Randolph County
- Ex-Officio Retiree Member-at-Large -Stacey Strawderman, Marion County