Sponsor Marty Chapman affixes a Rotary pin on Mike Herron while President Don Broyles looks on.

August 28, 2007

Putnam Rotarians today welcomed into their ranks Michael D. Herron, the new President of Advantage Valley.

Herron was named President of Advantage Valley upon the retirement of Rotarian Gayle Vest as executive officer last January.

Advantage Valley administers a three-year, $2 million W.K. Kellogg Foundation grant to foster entrepreneurship in the Kanawha Valley, Boyd and Greenup counties in Kentucky, and Lawrence County in Ohio.

"The whole idea behind the grant was to improve the economy by creating an entrepreneurial culture where entrepreneurship is seen as a viable alternative to leaving the region to find a job," Herron told the Daily Mail (March 8, 2007). "We'd like to earn distinction as a place where entrepreneurs can come and flourish."

A native of Randolph County and graduate of West Virginia University, he came to Charleston in 1985 as West Virginia Tourism Director.

Herron has also worked as Vice President of Public Relations for Charles Ryan Associates, and Executive Director of the Independent Oil & Gas Association of West Virginia.

He took the reins at Advantage Valley following a stint with Image Associates of Charleston.

Herron tells us he has long admired the emphasis of Rotary on business ethics, and he wanted to become part of an organization in which he had frequent opportunities for collaboration with community leaders.

Putnam's newest Rotarian enjoys hunting, fishing, golf and travel. He and wife Libby make their home in Charleston.

He was sponsored for Rotary membership by Marty Chapman.