Governing Board

The Governing Board for the WIN Academy has a grassroots feel with area residents serving on the board.  WIN Academy board members:

  • Mason Bishop, chair, a small business owner focused on helping students enter the workforce. Mason brings federal US Department of Labor experience to our Board and a strong commitment to innovation in education and workforce training.
  • Barry Holstein, President of the Cross Lanes Community Development Council – a position that he has held since 2014. As president of Cross Lanes, Mr. Holstein provides oversight in the development of housing, neighborhood revitalization and community development for the region. Mr. Holstein will bring his business and community development expertise to the project to provide guidance on administration, staffing, instruction, budget among other areas.
  • Andrea Kiessling, a small business owner, also will serve as a board member. Kiessling brings her experience in leadership, finance and business operations to the WIN Academy – assets that will help the program maintain financial and operational viability.
  • Lori Lipscomb, is a parent representative.  Born and raised in South Charleston, Lori has strong ties and interest in the Bridge Valley local community.  Lori is a graduate of West Virginia State University with a degree in Finance and has been employed for the past twenty years with the Charleston Police Department, assigned primarily to the local drug enforcement task force.  Lori’s vision is in bringing the opportunities WIN Academy can offer to non-traditional learners and furthering WIN Academy’s growth to underserved communities within the county who have students that could benefit from career-based education and who may otherwise fall through the cracks in traditional high school environments.     
  • Diane Bedwell, parent member.
  • Elena Compton, is a West Virginia native. She received her bachelor’s in social work from Marshall University. Her passion for education and increasing literacy rates around the state led her to Read Aloud West Virginia working as their Development and Grants Manager, she also works as a part-time tutor for the Appalachian Reading Center and is a Learn to Skate Instructor at the South Charleston Memorial Ice Arena.