Hometown: Charleston, West Virginia

Nominator: Lakin Cook

Sue Hoskins Sergi is the president and chief executive officer of the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences in Charleston, West Virginia. Prior to joining the Clay Center, Sue was commissioner of the Bureau of Children and Families and was responsible for state policy, child support services and operations of 53 offices and four state child care facilities.

Sue was the Clay Center’s first administrator and chief fundraiser in the early planning phases and CEO and President during the construction and opening of the Clay Center. Sue single-handedly guided a strong team of volunteers and staff through the fundraising, planning and construction of the Clay Center. This massive project led Sue to the challenge of raising more than $100 million for the construction of the Clay Center and the establishment of an endowment fund to take care of the building and assist with program costs. Sue also provided leadership in establishing shared services in ticketing, marketing finance and database management with the West Virginia Symphony and the Avampato Discovery Museum. These shared services provide a seamless offering of arts and science programs to West Virginia and the region.

Sue’s contributions to West Virginia are not only in the arts. Several of her contributions include a member of the Board of Directors of Lifebridge, a member of the advisory council of the YWCA’s Resolve Family Abuse Program and a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.