I’m a writer and media producer who has spent years working alongside West Virginia’s nonprofits, advocacy groups, and community organizations. That work has given me a still growing map of state policy and a wide network of sources and context. My reporting interests run toward accountability: water and utility infrastructure, environment, criminal justice, and whether local economic-development promises actually pencil out. I also produce documentary-style video, so a story can live as text and on screen. Below is a selection of published work and the research behind it.
Reporting & Features
President of environmental consulting firm talks water crisis
The Daily Athenaeum · News · Apr 2014
Coverage of environmental consultant Evan Hansen (Downstream Strategies) on the January 2014 Elk River MCHM spill: the failures behind it, the independent water testing his firm ran when the state wouldn’t, and the storage-tank legislation that followed. The water, environment, and utility beat I’m still drawn to.
Clifftopia
Create WV · Feature · Jan 2017
A feature on the Appalachian String Band Music Festival at Clifftop, profiling founder Will Carter and the self-organizing music community that grew up around minimal structure and an openness to wherever the music goes.
Self-Guidance
Toucan Education Programs · Travel feature · Jul 2016
A first-person feature on the Maya ruins of Belize — Xunantunich, the ATM cave, Cahal Pech — that turns a wariness of packaged tourism into an argument about earning authentic experience. Reported with guides and faculty, built on scene and sensory detail.
Video & Documentary
Luna Park, Pt. II — Rides & Rails
Falling Tree Media · Documentary series · Dec 2021
A researched short documentary on Charleston’s vanished Luna Park — This is my personal favorite video of the series because I believe it connects a lot of dots in Charleston’s history and planning. Watch and listen to understand the rail systems and how the entertainment was intentionally built at the end of the lines.
SOAR — Behind the Program
Falling Tree Media · Nonprofit mission & advocacy editorial · Jan 2021
A behind-the-scenes look at SOAR WV’s program as it resumed operations of a syringe service program before this practice was criminalized by the City of Charleston and the State Legislature.
Black Policy Day — Invitation to BPD 2026
Falling Tree Media · Nonprofit promotion & communications · Jan 2021
A promotional video inviting participation in Black Policy Day 2026.
Arts, Entertainment, & Culture
Setbacks at Mountain Stage, artists still impressed
The Daily Athenaeum · Arts & Entertainment · Oct 2012
A live review of NPR’s Mountain Stage that turned a headliner’s last-minute cancellation into the story. A sample of voice and reporting on deadline.
‘Carmen’ approaches theatrical perfection at Creative Arts Center
The Daily Athenaeum · Arts & Entertainment · Feb 2013
One of a run of opera, theater, and concert reviews written across 2012–2014.
Browse full archive of ~20 arts & entertainment and news pieces for The Daily Athenaeum here.
Research
Beyond bylined work, I do sustained independent research including evidence reviews, policy study, and public-records work that feeds my reporting. It’s where I’ve built the habits an investigation needs: sourcing, synthesis, and following documentation to a conclusion. Details and samples available on request.
Corey Zinn · Falling Tree Media
