(UPDATED 1/29/09 4:15 p.m. As noted in the revised last paragraph, Lewis replaces Morgantown businessman Parry Petroplus, who resigned last month. She will fill his unexpired term, which ends June 30. At that time, she will be eligible for reappointment to a four-year term.)
Gov. Joe Manchin today (Jan. 29) announced the appointment of Morgantown businesswoman Diane Lewis to the West Virginia University Board of Governors.
Ms. Lewis will bring a great deal of knowledge and experience to the Boards efforts,Manchin said.She has a proven record as a local entrepreneur and has shown the ability to grow a small business, manage people and produce positive results. I believe that with the skills Ms. Lewis possesses, coupled with the talented individuals that currently serve on the Board, West Virginia University will continue to position itself to compete at the highest level.
BOG Chairwoman Carolyn Long commended the gubernatorial appointment, saying,I met with Ms. Lewis yesterday, and found her to be a bright, forward-thinking and respected businesswoman and community leader. We welcome her participation on the Board.
Interim WVU President C. Peter Magrath echoed Longs comments, saying,Im delighted that Gov. Manchin has successfully filled the vacancy on the Board of Governors with a strong and outstanding appointment. I have already spoken with Ms. Lewis and know that she is enthusiastic about her forthcoming service to West Virginia, and we all look forward to getting acquainted with her as she becomes an active member of the Board.
Lewis is founder, president and chief executive officer of Action Facilities Management Inc., (AFM) a female, minority-owned business that employs more than 100 workers.
Since its inception in 2001, the firm has provided facilities management contracting servicessuch as site management, security and facilities maintenanceto government and commercial entities, including the Department of Defense, Department of Energy and Department of Homeland Security.
I am extremely honored to be invited to join the WVU Board of Governors,Lewis said.WVU is a leading land-grant institution with a rich history and an even brighter future, and I want to be a part of that momentum.
Lewis, a native of Clarksburg, earned two degrees from Fairmont State Collegea bachelors in accounting and the AS in banking.
Prior to founding AFM , she was a contract administrator and financial adviser for K-Ray Security and a branch manager of Norwest Financial.
She received the 2007 West Virginia Minority Small Business Person of the Year Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration as well as recognition from West Virginia Executive magazine as a 2008 Young Gun.
Lewis is also the recipient of a 2005 West Virginia Minority Business Development Center Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
In addition, AFM was recognized by the Department of Homeland Security with a national award for outstanding achievement, and the firm earned a certificate of appreciation for outstanding support of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Advanced Training Center in Harpers Ferry.
Lewis has served as president of the National Contract Management Association and co-director of the Teaming to Win Conferenceand is now serving on that conferences board of directors. She is on the advisory council of Northern West Virginias Procurement Technical Assistance Center and is treasurer of the Private Investigators and Security Professionals of West Virginia.
Active in the community, she is treasurer of Berean Baptist Church and a volunteer with the Monongahela Baptist Association and a local nonprofit community group that supports minority networking and culture.
Lewis replaces Morgantown businessman Parry Petroplus, who resigned last month. She will fill his unexpired term, which ends June 30. At that time, she will be eligible for reappointment to a four-year term.