ELKINS — Mountain State Forest Festival (MSFF) Director General Lisa Shaffer announces the appointment of the Queen’s Department Director, Deputy Director, and the Assistant Directors for the 87th MSFF.
Coordinating this year’s MSFF will be Queen’s Department Director Megan Casto; Deputy Director Nathaniel Bonnell; and Assistant Directors Tamara Denmark Bailey, Anthony Bates, Keith Corley, Zach Elbon, Ashley Godwin, Tracy Gooden, Jennifer Morgan, Whitney Morris, Todd Riggleman, Jeff Skidmore, Karrah Washington and Derek Wetsch.
Megan Casto will be returning to serve her third year as the Director of the Queen’s Department, having previously served as a Queen’s Department Assistant in 2022. She will lead the planning, coordination, and delivering of all activities for the Royal Court of the 87th MSFF.
Megan has volunteered on several Festival committees, including Princess Orientation and Princess Ambassadors, Minor Court Committee, Pet Show, and Window Decorating. She was a Flower Girl in the 1995 MSFF and was a Maid of Honor in the 2008 MSFF. Her husband Dusty was a Royal Trumpeteer for the MSFF from 1998-2000. Megan and her husband have two daughters, Callie and Everly. Callie served as a Scepter Bearer in the 2019 MSFF. Megan is employed as an accountant at Woodford Oil Company.
Nathaniel Bonnell will be serving as the Deputy Director for the 87th MSFF. Nathaniel previously served three years as an Assistant Director. He is the President and CEO of Citizens Bank of West Virginia and Citizens Financial Corp. Bonnell serves on the Board of Directors of the Randolph County Development Authority, the West Virginia Bankers Association, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, and the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation. In addition, he is a member of the Board of Trustees of Davis & Elkins College. He is a member of American Institute of CPAs, West Virginia Society of CPAs, and the Young Presidents’ Organization.
Bonnell is a 2014 graduate of Leadership West Virginia. Married to Christina Bonnell, they reside in Elkins with their two daughters, Braelyn nd Kelsea. Nathaniel has been involved with the Tennis/Pickleball Competition, 10K/5K Race, Cross Country Race, Muzzleloading, and Official Plaques This year, he is tasked with managing and overseeing Communications/Publicity, Official Vehicles, and Safety & Security.
Tamara Denmark Bailey will return for fourth year as an Assistant Director. She is an associate professor of history at West Virginia Wesleyan College, where she is director of Wesleyan Abroad and co-chair of the Honors program.
She and her husband, Jason, have three children, Kyatt, Darby and Derek. Kyatt served as Woodly the Elf in 2009, while Darby was the Scepter Bearer in the 77th Mountain State Forest Festival. Their involvement with the festival dates back over two decades with volunteering for window decorating and Distinguished Guest Dinner, coordinating events such as Irish Road Bowling, Kids Day in the Park, float judging, Children’s Fest, and the Grand Feature Parade, as well as sponsoring events such as Children’s Fest and Highland Dance. This year, she is tasked with the Poker Run, Forestry and Wood Products Exhibit, and the Grand Feature Parade.
Anthony “Tony” Bates returns for his eighth year as an Assistant Director. He is employed by the United States Department of Justice. He is actively involved with the WVSSAC Registered Basketball Officials and is the Assigner/Secretary/Treasurer of the North Central Officials Association. He is a member of the Phillips Chapel United Methodist Church.
He and his wife, Krista, have three daughters, Haley, Presley, and Ella, and a granddaughter, Maeve. Presley served as a Flower Girl in the 2012 MSFF and was a Jester in the 2014 MSFF. Tony has volunteered and been responsible for coordinating the Strongest Man/Woman in the Forest Competition, Muzzleloading, Archery Shoot, Poker Run, and Mini Horse Show. For the 87th MSFF, Bates has been tasked with managing the Cornhole Tournament, Lumberjack Contest, Sanitation and Vendor Row.
Keith Corley will return for his third year as an Assistant Director for the 87th MSFF. He is a retired member of the West Virginia State Police, serving 28 years in law enforcement. Corley is employed as a West Virginia Assistant State Fire Marshal in the Investigation Division.
Corley and his wife, Beth, have two daughters, Kendall and Alexa, and son-in-law Dylan Eva. Beth was a Flower Girl in 1976 and a Princess in 1989. Kendall was a Jester in the 83rd MSFF in 2019. Keith and Beth are the owners of Tumble Time Gymnastics. Keith has previously coordinated the Kickoff Party and Car Show. This year, his events include the Grand Feature Parade and Craft Show, as well as coordinating the Information Booth and the first annual gravel Bicycle Race.
Zach Elbon will be serving his fifth year as an Assistant Director. He graduated from WVU with a Bachelor’s of Science in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering with a minor in Geology. Elbon works as a customer success engineer for Evolution Well Services in the oil and gas industry. Zach has also started several businesses including Emblazon Sign Company, Noble Investments Limited, and Noble Response Solutions, all with the goal of helping to create a vibrant small business community in Randolph County. He is the President of the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce.
Zach and his wife, Megan, have volunteered for the Mountain State Forest Festival for numerous events including Golf Tournament, Grand Feature Parade, Chili Cook-Off, City Park, Irish Road Bowling, Scrapbook, Princess Ambassador Program, Queen’s Ball, and Distinguished Guest Dinner. Megan served as a Flower Girl in 2001 and a Maid of Honor in 2012. They have one daughter, Ella. This year, Zach is responsible for the Golf Tournament, City Park, Irish Road Bowling, and Banners.
Ashley Godwin is serving her first year as an Assistant Director. She is a Certified Professional Coder with Davis Medical Center. Beyond her professional and festival commitments, Ashley is an active member of Summit Church in Elkins. She finds great joy in supporting her two children, Grayson and Kaylee, as they participate in baseball and soccer.
Her family holds a special connection to Festival as Kaylee served as a Flower Girl in 2018. Ashley has been actively involved with Festival since 2016, serving as the Chair of the Minor Court Committee. This year, Ashley is responsible for leading and coordinating the Distinguished Guest Dinner and the Queen’s Ball.
Tracy Gooden will begin her seventh year as an Assistant Director. Gooden is employed as a Senior Data Associate for Vizient Inc. She and her husband, Ron, have one daughter, Abigale Sicca, who served as a Princess in the 80th MSFF, and one grandson Roman Sicca. Gooden is a member of the Randolph County CLIMB Mentorship Program and serves as a Board of Director for Our Town. She and her family attend the First Baptist Church in Elkins.
Gooden previously served as Director of the Queen’s Department and on numerous MSFF committees including Children’s Fest, Downtown Window Decorations, Country Music Show and Tailgate Party, Crafts and More, Highland Dance, Photography Exhibit, and the Band Field Show. This year, she will lead the coordinating and planning for the Cross-Country Race, Parade of Children, Kids Day in the Park, and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
Jennifer LaMora Morgan is returning for her second year as an Assistant Director. Morgan is a partner at the law firm of Busch, Zurbuch & Thompson, PLLC, specializing in real estate law. She and her husband, Jon, have two children, Grant and Emma.
Morgan and her family have been actively involved in Festival for many years. Her husband, Jon, most recently served as the Director General for the 85th MSFF. Her daughter, Emma, served as Crown Bearer in 2019. Jennifer served as Crown Bearer in 1987 and Maid of Honor in 2000. Both of Morgan’s parents, Ray & Sue LaMora, have had many years serving with the MSFF.
Morgan is President of the Board of Trustees for the Elkins Randolph County Public Library and is a member of the Randolph Co. Development Authority board. She and her family attend St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Morgan has previously served as the Chair for the MSFF Queen’s Quilt and lead planning for the Parade of Children. This year, she will lead the coordinating for the Pet Show, Hospitality Tent, Muzzleloading, Official Plaques, and Official Program.
Whitney Morris returns for her fourth year as an Assistant Director. Morris also served three years as an Assistant with the Queen’s Department. She has volunteered with the MSFF in multiple capacities and served on many committees over the years including the Parade of Children, Band Field Show, and Grand Feature Parade, Distinguished Guest Dinner and Queen’s Ball, and Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Her husband, Robbie Morris, was Director General of the 84th MSFF. Whitney is the Controller at Woodford Oil Company and lives in Elkins with her husband and two stepdaughters, Elin and Tinley. Elin was a Flower Girl in 2018.
This year, Whitney will be responsible for the Kickoff Party, Tennis/Pickleball Tournament, 10K/5K/Pump & Run, and the second annual Mountain State Forest Festival Bag Bingo.
Todd Riggleman will return for his 15th year as an Assistant Director. He is the manager of distribution forestry with Mon Power/Potomac Edison, FirstEnergy Companies. Riggleman and his wife Robin have two sons, Garrett and Kyle, as well as a five-year old granddaughter, Hadley, and a newborn grandson, Beau.
Kyle served as Train Bearer in the 2009 MSFF. His sister, Kelly Gilbert, was a Jester in the 1981 MSFF. Riggleman attends Woodford Memorial United Methodist Church. He has served as a volunteer with the Elks Babe Ruth Baseball League for more than 15 years and announces sporting events at Elkins High School. Riggleman has worked on numerous events including the Lumberjack Contest, Strongman Competition, Information Booth, Bass Tournament, Flags and Banners, Fireman’s Parade, Forestry and Wood Products, Pet Show, Photography Exhibit, Miniature Horse Show, ATV Race, Poker Run, Vendor Row, Sanitation, Primitive Campers, and Grounds. This year, he will lead the coordination of Flags and Banners, Fireman’s Parade, Grounds, and the Primitive Campers.
Jeff Skidmore will return to the MSFF for his eighth year as an Assistant Director. He has been employed by the Randolph County Assessor’s office for 28 years. He has been involved with Elkins Raceway for over 40 years and is currently the media director and director of Competition placement. Skidmore has two nieces, Jackie Skidmore-Teter and Samantha Skidmore, who have both served as Princesses in the 2002 and 2006 MSFFs, respectively.
Skidmore has previously volunteered for Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs. He has served on numerous MSFF committees including the Lumberjack Contest, Country Music Show, Gospel Show, Information Booth, ATV Race, Distinguished Guest Dinner and Queens Ball, Jack Basil Band Field Show, Band Recruitment for the Grand Feature Parade, ROTC units, Organizing Flags and Banners for the MSFF, The Indianapolis Police Department Motorcycle Drill Team, and many other events. This year, Skidmore will be overseeing the Downtown Stage Concert Events, Country Music Show, as well as coordinating the Lights and Sound for all MSFF events.
Karrah Washington will serve her fourth year as an Assistant Director. She graduated from West Virginia University in 2012 with a degree in Social Work and Minors in both Child Development & Family Studies and Communication. She is employed as the Executive Director of the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce. She and her husband, Brandon, have one son, Brayton, and one daughter, Braelynn.
Karrah was a Princess in the 2008 MSFF, and Brayton served as Crown Bearer in the 2023 MSFF. Karrah is a Board Member for Interact Children’s Museum and Tygart Valley United Way. She is a graduate of Leadership Randolph 2024, a Woman’s Club Member, and a former Randolph County CLIMB mentor. In the past, Washington has volunteered with Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Distinguished Guest Dinner, and Queen’s Ball Committees. This year, she will be responsible for the Downtown Window Decorations, Children’s Fest, and Photography Exhibit.
Derek Wetsch is serving his second year as an Assistant Director. He is the pharmacy manager for CVS Pharmacy in Buckhannon and is admitted to the West Virginia State Bar as an attorney. He and his wife, Allison, have one son, Henry. Wetsch served as a Boy Scout in 2001 and as a Trumpeteer in the 2005 and 2006 MSFF. He directed the Trumpeteers from 2007-2012 and coordinated the 2016 WVU Marching Band visit along with his family. He will be leading the coordination efforts of the Jack Basil Band Field Show and Bass Tournament, as well as providing support to the Grand Feature Parade, Car Show, and Kickoff Party events.
Lisa Shaffer states, “It is my honor and privilege to lead such an extraordinary group of volunteers. Over the past few months, these individuals have devoted countless hours planning this year’s festival and working tirelessly to bring my vision to life. Their hard work and dedication is sure to deliver a festival that provides lasting memories for our community. I truly couldn’t ask for a more passionate, committed, and inspiring team of individuals.”
The 87th edition of the Mountain State Forest Festival will be celebrated Sept. 27-Oct. 5. More information is available by visiting festival social media, www.forestfestival.com, or calling the festival office at 304-636-1824.
