L. Newton Thomas

Mr. L. Newton Thomas, Jr. developed ITT Carbon Industries Inc., a family-owned business, into one of West Virginia's most successful coal operations, but his record of public service is what truly distinguishes him.

He has been one of the pioneers working to create a vibrant economy and society in the Kanawha Valley. If you see an inspiring new program or project in the Valley, it is likely to have his stamp on it.

With a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Cornell University, Thomas rose through the management of ITT Carbon from mine manager to senior vice president. He served his industry in numerous leadership positions, including president of the West Virginia Mining Institute, the Kanawha Coal Operators Association, and the Southern Coal Producers Association, and director of the Kentucky Coal Operators Association and the Bituminous Coal Operators Association.

His commitment to public service is extraordinary. He served as president and director of the United Way of Kanawha Valley; the Education Alliance of West Virginia, and the Buckskin Council of Boy Scouts of America. He was chairman of the Air Pollution Control Commission and of Edgewood Summit, Inc., the state's first non-profit continuous care retirement community. He was chairman and trustee of the Charleston Area Medical Center Foundation, director of the Federal Reserve Board-Fifth District in Richmond, Virginia, vice-president and director of the West Virginia Symphony, and the President's Advisory Board for West Virginia University's Institute of Technology. He serves as chairman and director of the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia, Inc.; president of the Daywood Foundation; the Board of Directors of Business and Industrial Development Corp. (chairman for seven years); trustee of the Jacobson Foundation and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation; advisory board member of the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation; director of the West Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges, the West Virginia Council for Community and Economic Development, and the West Virginia Public Port Authority.

Thomas' leadership and commitment has won him such recognition as the Lou McManus Award from the Education Alliance of West Virginia, and the WV Secretary of State's award for outstanding service.