Stevens to share story at Fall Speaker Series | News, Sports, Jobs

PARKERSBURG ­– The executive director of Downtown PKB will speak at the WVU Parkersburg Professional Studies Division’s Fall Speaker Series from 12:15-1 p.m. Nov. 30 in the College Theater.

Amanda Stevens became executive director of Downtown PKB in September 2021.

Before that, she held two positions at Artsbridge, first as the organization’s office manager then as the executive director, overseeing programs, grant writing and fundraising.

The Fall Speaker Series highlights prominent local leaders who will share their success stories. Stevens is the final presentation.

She has been a grant reader and a panelist for the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History. Stevens has been instrumental in overseeing several large-scale events and art installations, including a partnership between Artsbridge and the Grand Central Mall to create the glass mosaic mural inside the new Williamstown Elementary School.

Before Artsbridge, Stevens worked for her family’s business, DeBarr Trucking Co. in Parkersburg.

After obtaining a degree from WVU Parkersburg, Stevens was a licensed real estate agent in West Virginia.

She has been a singer with local bands for over 20 years at fairs and festivals and has served as music director at her church. She has also been a vocal coach to youth in the community and has participated in theater in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

“It is an intentional effort, on the part of the Division of Professional Studies, to provide the community with the opportunity to enjoy a vibrant, intellectually stimulating event and engage with a respected local professional,” Assistant Professor Andrew Walker said.

The Fall Speaker Series is free and everyone is welcome. For more information, go to wvup.edu/fallspeakerseries.