Samuel Chico III

A lifelong West Virginia and Morgantown native, Sam Chico III earned his BSBA with emphasis in Management in 1989 and has since built an impressive career as an entrepreneur.  

Described as a pillar to his hometown community, Chico has founded and led more than a dozen enterprises, spanning industries from environmental cleanup and waste remediation to food manufacturing.  
 
Among his ventures is Chico Bakery, an acquired family enterprise which is the home of West Virginia's iconic pepperoni roll. Chico’s involvement has seen the bakery expanded with a new facility, allowing pepperoni rolls to be distributed to major retailers across the U.S., including Walmart, Sam’s Club, Circle K, Giant Eagle, Love’s and more. Throughout his business endeavors, Chico has employed more than 500 West Virginia residents.   

Before becoming the bakery’s president, owner and CEO, Chico was the founder of August Environmental, Inc. In that venture, he launched businesses, pioneered new processes and secured a contract with Exxon to remove, remediate and install new sub-surface gasoline storage tanks at nearly 1,000 service stations. 
 
In addition to his business achievement, Chico devotes time to his community — having served as Chairman of the Monongalia County Health Department for more than 20 years. Under his leadership, the Health Department was recognized for its management and response during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Chico was also a member of the inaugural WVU Board of Governors and continues to work with the Chambers College on its entrepreneur, sales and marketing programs.