ELKINS — Nathaniel S. Bonnell has been appointed by the Mountain State Forest Festival Board of Directors to serve as the 88th Mountain State Forest Festival Director General. The fall celebration is scheduled for Sept. 26 – Oct. 4.
As West Virginia’s oldest and grandest running tradition, the Mountain State Forest Festival annually hosts tens of thousands to celebrate in regal style during the premier mountain homecoming. Bonnell has themed the festival, “Autumn in Color.”
“At its heart, the Mountain State Forest Festival is a living canvas,” said Bonnell. “From the fall mountain backdrop to the bright lights of the carnival, to the pageantry of the royal court, and the vibrant traditions woven into every event, autumn colors tell our story. Even Woodly the Elf, the festival’s official mascot, reminds us that the colors on his palette are shared by every festival goer. Each leaf, each color, is special to our celebration.”
Following three years as an Assistant Director and serving as Deputy Director in 2025, the Director General brings extensive experience to his role. He has coordinated and overseen safety and security, communications, official vehicles, plaques, and the execution of various sporting events, including the Tennis/Pickleball Tournament, 10K/5K, Cross Country Race, and the Muzzleloading Contest.
Bonnell is President & CEO of Citizens Bank of West Virginia and Citizens Financial Corp. and holds a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation and is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). He earned a Master of Business Administration from West Virginia University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Management from Davis & Elkins College.
Vice Chair of the West Virginia Banker’s Association Board of Directors, he serves on the Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, the Randolph County Development Authority and St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation. He is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), Rotary Club of Elkins, American Institute of CPAs, and West Virginia Society of CPAs. Bonnell is additionally an active participant in Community Bankers of West Virginia and serves on the American Bankers Association Government Relations Council. He is a 2014 graduate of Leadership West Virginia.
Married to Christina Bonnell, they reside in Elkins with their two daughters, Braelyn and Kelsea.
“Nathaniel’s leadership, experience, and deep respect for the festival’s traditions make him the ideal Director General for this year’s festival,” commented Dr. Scott Harris, Board President of the Mountain State Forest Festival. “As we look forward to the 2026 festival, we are confident this appointment will ensure a celebration that honors our heritage, engages the community, and delivers another unforgettable fall festival for residents, patrons, and visitors alike.”
The 88th edition of the Mountain State Forest Festival will be celebrated Sept. 26 – Oct. 4, 2026.
More information is available by visiting festival social media, www.forestfestival.com, or calling the festival office at 304-636-1824.