Making the Sausage of Success

Jina Belcher spent years as the executive director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, where she spearheaded major projects like the Amazon warehouse and the airport runway extension. For Jina, economic development was never just about business deals; it was about creating a place where the next generation actually wanted to stay. She describes the work as a messy, behind the scenes process that requires grit and a “stack your bench” mentality to get results. Despite the significant successes, the constant pressure of being a high level problem solver eventually led to a level of burnout that was impossible to ignore.

“Economic development is like making sausage. It is really gross and disgusting and messy and difficult behind the scenes, but you won’t find anybody that doesn’t love the end product.”

The Battle Over West Virginia’s Identity

One of the biggest factors in Jina’s decision was a shift in how the state handles economic development, particularly regarding the implementation of data centers. She expresses deep frustration with House Bill 2014, which she feels stripped away necessary regulations and safety nets for the sake of quick growth. Jina believes West Virginia should not settle for being a “cheap” place to build without a long term reclamation strategy or proper community communication. This internal battle with the state’s current direction, combined with the “gross” intersection of politics and development, ultimately made her role feel unsustainable.

“I am really tired of this state historically being the state that says, ‘Let’s just take the bare minimum. Let’s rip away every regulation. Let’s take the minimum required just so we can get something.'”

Reclaiming Time and Mental Health

Ultimately, the decision to leave came down to her daughter, Nora, and her aging parents. She realized that no professional achievement was worth the cost of being “exhausted all the time” or missing out on the small, everyday moments with her family. While she is proud of the work she accomplished, she is ready to focus on a more flexible life that aligns with her morals and allows her to give back to her community on her own terms. For now, that means enjoying the summer, visiting the local pool, and finally being able to say “yes” when her daughter wants to spend time together.

“I am no longer willing to compromise my time with my family and my kid. I am not willing to compromise my time with them.”

Curious to hear the full story?

You won’t want to miss the deep dive into the politics of West Virginia and the personal journey behind this major career move. Check out the original video to see the full interview with Jina Belcher and her family.