Jason S . Harshbarger
Natural Gas Storage Tech . Spec . III , Dominion Energy Transmission , and Member , West Virginia House of Delegates
TRADITIONAL WEST VIRGINIA VALUES of hard work , determination and grit have defined Jason Harshbarger ’ s career . As a natural gas storage technical specialist III for Dominion Energy Transmission and a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates , he strives to lead by example .
“ I like seeing results , whether that ’ s at work , in our state , through the organizations I have been involved with or on our family farm ,” he says . “ I feel strongly that if you say you ’ re going to do something , you must follow through with it .”
Growing up in Parkersburg , WV , Harshbarger dreamed of being a pediatrician , but when he left home to attend Marietta College , a geology class opened his eyes to the career possibilities that existed for him in the oil and gas industry . Within days of graduation , he and his wife headed for Lafayette , LA , where he began his first industry job working offshore in the Gulf of Mexico , performing formation evaluation and directional drilling on offshore oil and gas rigs . Leaving home cemented his commitment to one day return to the Mountain State .
“ I have great pride in where I was born and raised ,” he says . “ Having to move away after college , I found myself wanting to move back to the place I called home . With my career , I could probably work anywhere in the world , but my wife and I choose to live here . I have a strong belief we can make West Virginia a great state .”
One of the ways Harshbarger works toward a brighter future for the state is through his service as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates . Representing Pleasants and Ritchie counties , he sits on the industry and labor , education , energy and agriculture and natural resources committees . He also invests his time as a board member of the Ritchie County Economic Development Authority and a member of the Ritchie County Fairground Association .
Above all else , Harshbarger believes the state ’ s future depends on creating and implementing leadership development opportunities for the state ’ s youth . He currently serves as the West Virginia Hugh O ’ Brian Youth Leadership corporate board treasurer and has served as board president , board member and facilitator over the past 12 years . He serves on the advisory committee for the Mid-Ohio Valley Technical Institute and volunteers with Ritchie County ’ s 4-H program . Harshbarger and his family also open their home as a host family for Lion ’ s Youth Exchange and AFS-USA . These two organizations coordinate exchange opportunities for international students studying in the U . S . Harshbarger and his family have hosted seven exchange students from five different countries .
“ I want to be part of creating opportunities for our youth , whether through youth programs or economic growth , so if they want to stay in West Virginia upon entering the workforce , they can stay and provide a living for their family ,” he says .
As a passionate and experienced outdoorsman who once spent three weeks living in the Alaskan wilderness in a tent on an unguided moose hunt , Harshbarger hopes to someday create a hunting , fishing and outdoors program for West Virginia youth whose parents are not interested in these activities .
“ There are so many young people today who have not been taught about our hunting heritage or the responsibilities of handling a firearm ,” he says . “ Hunting teaches conservation , connecting with the outdoors , promoting health and fitness , developing life skills and learning responsibility .”
At the end of the day , Harshbarger ’ s best advice for improving the future of West Virginia is adaptation , flexibility and a willingness to change .
“ As humans , we get so stuck in a routine and are hesitant or afraid of change ,” he says . “ I embrace change as I feel it keeps me on my toes and allows me to push myself to adapt and learn .” •
KATLIN SWISHER TRACY TOLER
What is your favorite …?
App Google Maps
TV Show “ The Blacklist ”
Sports Team Michigan Wolverines
Something People Don ’ t Know About
You : I enjoy cooking and am handy with carpentry work .
Your Favorite WV Activity : Sitting in a tree stand , taking a much-needed break while watching the animals in their natural habitat .
Harshbarger appreciates Pedal & Paddle ’ s full-service bike , kayak and canoe shop in the heart of downtown Shepherdstown .
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