Staff
Daryl Cowles
Director of Economic Development/ Executive Director of Jefferson County Development Authority
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Daryl Cowles serves as the Director of Economic Development and Executive Director of the Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA), where he leads strategic efforts to attract investment, support business growth, and strengthen Jefferson County’s economic base.
A lifelong resident of the Eastern Panhandle, Cowles brings a deep understanding of the region’s economy, workforce, and development opportunities. Prior to his current role, he served for over a decade in the West Virginia House of Delegates, including as Majority Whip. During his legislative tenure, he was a leading voice on economic development policy, workforce advancement, and infrastructure investment—work that directly informs his approach to growing Jefferson County’s economy.
In his role with the JCDA, Cowles focuses on business retention and expansion, site development, and strategic partnerships that position the county for long-term success. He works closely with local, regional, and state partners to advance projects that create jobs, expand the tax base, and enhance quality of life for residents.
Cowles is known for his collaborative leadership style and his ability to bring together public and private stakeholders to move projects forward. His leadership reflects a commitment to practical, results-driven economic development that builds on Jefferson County’s strengths while preparing for future growth.
Edwina Benites-LM
County Administrator/ Economic Development backup
304-728-3255
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As Cowles builds out of the Office of Economic Development, Benites-LM provides logistical assistance. Benites-LM brings more than 20 years of experience in government relations and economic development. She has served as a staffer in the U.S. Senate, worked as a federal lobbyist representing governmental entities, owned a small business, and serves in executive leadership roles in local government. Benites-LM is enrolled in a doctoral program in business administration through Marshall University. She earned a master’s degree in rural development from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University, and a graduate certificate in Excellence in Local Governance from the University of Maryland. She has completed Leadership Jefferson and Leadership West Virginia through the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Benites-LM serves on a variety of boards and commissions. She enjoys coaching girls' basketball and is a mom of four.
Hunter Mize
Fellow
304-728-3255
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Hunter is a sophomore Business Administration major at Shepherd University. As an intern with the Jefferson County Economic Development Authority, he is gaining hands-on experience supporting initiatives that strengthen the local economy and business community. Hunter is eager to learn more about economic development, business growth, and community partnerships while contributing to projects that support the continued success of Jefferson County.
Daryl Cowles
Director of Economic Development/ Executive Director of Jefferson County Development Authority
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Daryl Cowles serves as the Director of Economic Development and Executive Director of the Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA), where he leads strategic efforts to attract investment, support business growth, and strengthen Jefferson County’s economic base.
A lifelong resident of the Eastern Panhandle, Cowles brings a deep understanding of the region’s economy, workforce, and development opportunities. Prior to his current role, he served for over a decade in the West Virginia House of Delegates, including as Majority Whip. During his legislative tenure, he was a leading voice on economic development policy, workforce advancement, and infrastructure investment—work that directly informs his approach to growing Jefferson County’s economy.
In his role with the JCDA, Cowles focuses on business retention and expansion, site development, and strategic partnerships that position the county for long-term success. He works closely with local, regional, and state partners to advance projects that create jobs, expand the tax base, and enhance quality of life for residents.
Cowles is known for his collaborative leadership style and his ability to bring together public and private stakeholders to move projects forward. His leadership reflects a commitment to practical, results-driven economic development that builds on Jefferson County’s strengths while preparing for future growth.
Edwina Benites-LM
County Administrator/ Economic Development backup
304-728-3255
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As Cowles builds out of the Office of Economic Development, Benites-LM provides logistical assistance. Benites-LM brings more than 20 years of experience in government relations and economic development. She has served as a staffer in the U.S. Senate, worked as a federal lobbyist representing governmental entities, owned a small business, and serves in executive leadership roles in local government. Benites-LM is enrolled in a doctoral program in business administration through Marshall University. She earned a master’s degree in rural development from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University, and a graduate certificate in Excellence in Local Governance from the University of Maryland. She has completed Leadership Jefferson and Leadership West Virginia through the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Benites-LM serves on a variety of boards and commissions. She enjoys coaching girls' basketball and is a mom of four.
Hunter Mize
Fellow
304-728-3255
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Hunter is a sophomore Business Administration major at Shepherd University. As an intern with the Jefferson County Economic Development Authority, he is gaining hands-on experience supporting initiatives that strengthen the local economy and business community. Hunter is eager to learn more about economic development, business growth, and community partnerships while contributing to projects that support the continued success of Jefferson County.
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