A group that oversees Kanawha County's flood recovery efforts has appointed a new leader. Susan Jack is the new executive director of the Kanawha County Longterm Recovery Committee.
"For those who do not already know Susan, you will find her to be a flood victim and survivor who has been working nonstop to help the area where she grew up," committee chairman John Ballengee said in a statement. "Her energy, focus, and passion in helping those affected by the June 2016 flooding will serve the Elk River area well and we are happy to have her join our recovery team."
Jack replaces former director Mike Shinn, who resigned to get back to his full-time job operating Missions Academy Ministry, Ballengee said.
Jack is from the Clendenin area and graduated from Herbert Hoover High School. She and her teenage daughter were in the process of moving to Ohio when the flood hit. Their home wasn't hit, but all of their belongings were destroyed while they were four storage lockers near the Elk River, she said. They decided to stay.
"I really, personally, didn't want to leave," Jack said. "I felt like at that point my talents could be used here. Anyone here thats capable and educated that could help the process should stay and do that. It probably wasn't the easiest path, but I chose the best path."
Jack has spent much of her time and resources over the past eight months helping other flood victims, she said. She started by helping set electric poles after the flood while the power was still out for much of the area.
Jack has a masters degree in occupational safety and has been a business owner in the past, she said.
The recovery committee can be reached at 304-539-9399, gkltrc@gmail.com, on Facebook at GKLTRC or at its office at 107 Koontz Ave. in Clendenin.