Staff

Edwina “Eddie” Benites-LM
Executive Director
304-728-3255
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Benites-LM is a government relations and economic development expert with 20 years of success. She has experience as a staffer in the US Senate, as a federal lobbyist primarily representing governmental entities, and as a small business owner. Benites-LM earned a master's degree in rural development through the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and her undergraduate degree is through George Washington University. She will soon earn a graduate certificate in Excellence in Local Governance through the University of Maryland. Benites-LM serves on various boards and commissions in Frederick County, coaches youth basketball, and is a mom of four.

Ryan Snyder
Agriculture Development Coordinator
304-728-3255
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The fourth generation to live and work his family’s Shepherdstown farm, Ryan grew up learning the business at home and as an active member of 4-H and FFA, eventually earning an American FFA degree. He graduated from West Virginia University with a B.S. in Agribusiness Management and minors in agriculture and natural resources law, economics, and environmental economics. In 2021, he competed as a member of the team which won the prestigious WV Collegiate Business Plan Contest by developing a business plan for a local meat processing facility. “New technology and innovation are nurturing agribusiness success here, and it’s great to be on the front lines helping,” he says.

Anna Padilla
Administrative Assistant
304-728-3255
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
A graduate of Shepherd University with a B.A. in political science and a minor in history, Anna started her career in county government as the Commission Secretary/Grants Administrator with the Morgan County Commission. A native of Jefferson County, she now lives in the area with her husband Jay and their daughter Margot and says, “It’s gratifying to see Jefferson County really come into its own as a great place to do business, and to be part of the team that’s making it happen.”
Edwina “Eddie” Benites-LM
Executive Director
304-728-3255
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Benites-LM is a government relations and economic development expert with 20 years of success. She has experience as a staffer in the US Senate, as a federal lobbyist primarily representing governmental entities, and as a small business owner. Benites-LM earned a master's degree in rural development through the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and her undergraduate degree is through George Washington University. She will soon earn a graduate certificate in Excellence in Local Governance through the University of Maryland. Benites-LM serves on various boards and commissions in Frederick County, coaches youth basketball, and is a mom of four.
Ryan Snyder
Agriculture Development Coordinator
304-728-3255
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The fourth generation to live and work his family’s Shepherdstown farm, Ryan grew up learning the business at home and as an active member of 4-H and FFA, eventually earning an American FFA degree. He graduated from West Virginia University with a B.S. in Agribusiness Management and minors in agriculture and natural resources law, economics, and environmental economics. In 2021, he competed as a member of the team which won the prestigious WV Collegiate Business Plan Contest by developing a business plan for a local meat processing facility. “New technology and innovation are nurturing agribusiness success here, and it’s great to be on the front lines helping,” he says.
Anna Padilla
Administrative Assistant
304-728-3255
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
A graduate of Shepherd University with a B.A. in political science and a minor in history, Anna started her career in county government as the Commission Secretary/Grants Administrator with the Morgan County Commission. A native of Jefferson County, she now lives in the area with her husband Jay and their daughter Margot and says, “It’s gratifying to see Jefferson County really come into its own as a great place to do business, and to be part of the team that’s making it happen.”
ADD ITEM TO REPORT
As you navigate our website, you can use the “Add Item to Report” button to add any page or property to a custom report that you can print out or save.