CHARLESTON, WV: West Virginia Public Broadcasting Education Director Maggie Holley has been named to The State Journal‘s Generation Next: 40 Under 40 for 2023. Holley was chosen for her commitment to expanding public broadcasting’s education and reading initiatives throughout the state in her role as the WVPB education director.
For the past 18 years, The State Journal‘s Generation Next: 40 Under 40 has recognized outstanding young professionals who work and volunteer to make West Virginia a better place. As the newspaper puts it, “As West Virginia continues to stare down hard times, it will be the innovations and energy from Generation Next that carries the state to prosperity.”
“Maggie Holley came to work at West Virginia Public Broadcasting in January 2022 as our education director and things haven’t been the same since,” said Butch Antolini, WVPB chief executive officer and executive director. “Her positive impact on education throughout the entire state has been experienced by educators across West Virginia and the multitude of programs she and her staff have initiated are providing our children with incredible learning opportunities that weren’t previously available. She is in high demand as a result of her work and most deserving of this recognition from The State Journal.”
Maggie Holley was born and raised in Floyd County, Kentucky, spending 16 years in education, including nine years as a middle school science teacher and six years in public school administration. She taught in Roane and Fayette counties and served as a principal at schools in Roane, Jackson and Kanawha counties.
Holley is currently a resident of Jackson County, balancing work as a wife, mother, and active local church member. As one of five daughters growing up in a coal mining family, Holley credits her parents for her work ethic.
“My parents instilled in me the value of hard work and education when our rural community offered limited opportunities and many obstacles,” shared Holley. “My passion in my current role is bringing programs that focus on mental, emotional and social health to rural towns.”
For more information on the Generation Next: 40 Under 40 recognition and the full list of recipients, visit The State Journal’s website at www.wvnews.com.
