Susan James Hagan has impacted the lives of thousands of people in the Upper Ohio Valley. Susan is well known in the Wheeling community as a committed volunteer who has the superpower of connecting people and getting things
done.
On Thursday, June 15th, Susan James Hagan will be honored for her dedication to service at the annual Governor’s Service Awards dinner at the Culture Center at the State Capitol.
Presented since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors individuals and groups that exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. Susan James Hagan will receive her award in the Adult Category.
In November 2022, Susan spearheaded and hosted the highly successful “Nail City Chef” benefit which raised over $20,000. This event, conceived entirely by Susan, brought together the Wheeling Soup Kitchen, where she serves as a volunteer, and Wheeling Health Right, where she serves on the board of directors. By uniting these two organizations for a joint benefit, Susan successfully raised funds and awareness for their causes. This undertaking represents just one of the numerous charitable activities in which Susan has played a pivotal role over the years.
Susan is renowned for her unparalleled talent in connecting community agencies with shared missions. She serves as the bridge that brings people and organizations together. During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Susan committed countless hours to the Ohio County Food Security Team, a collective effort by several non-profit organizations. In 2022, the dedicated group of volunteers established nine Blessing Boxes throughout Ohio County, ensuring that individuals facing food insecurity had access to essential resources.
In addition to her exceptional volunteer work, Susan balances her commitments with her day job as a Nanny for two young boys. She currently serves on the board of directors of The Unity Center and Wheeling Health Right. Susan is a member of the Region X Transportation Committee which helps address unmet transportation needs in the community. She has also contributed to the Women Inspired in New Directions (WIND) program at the YWCA as a member of the advisory board and she co-chaired the Mayor’s Committee on Housing. As one of the founders of The Re-Entry Alliance for the Ohio Valley, Susan has played a pivotal role in bringing together over 35 agencies dedicated to assisting adults transitioning from the correctional system. Moreover, she actively volunteers with Grow Ohio Valley and the Family Resource Network, further extending her impact across various community initiatives.
Susan’s personal journey in recovery serves as a powerful inspiration to others. With an impressive 20 years of sobriety, she is a role model in the recovery community and beyond. Her resilience and dedication to personal growth have made her an invaluable asset to the Wheeling community, uplifting and empowering everyone she encounters.
The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the State’s Commission for National and Community Service. The event will take place on Thursday, June 15th at 6 p.m. at the Culture Center in Charleston. A volunteer review committee reads and selects the recipients based on achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, creativity, and impact of service.
Other recipients of the 2023 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:
- Youth: Maren Boblits, Edmond
- Young Adult: Sequoia Ware, Huntington
- Senior: Libby Campbell Lucas, Ansted
- Lifetime Achievement: Fran Welton, Moorefield
- Group: Davis Medical Center Pet Therapy Team – Mark Roy & Ellie, Elkins
About Volunteer West Virginia
Volunteer West Virginia is the state’s Commission for National and Community Service. The agency challenges West Virginians to strengthen their communities through service and volunteerism by identifying and mobilizing resources, promoting an ethic of service, and empowering communities to solve problems and improve the quality of life for individuals and families. Learn more at www.volunteer.wv.gov.
