Featured Employee
GENE COULSON

Gene Coulson Picture Our featured employee for this week is Gene Coulson, who serves as the Coordinator for the Office of Hospitality Education and Training. An employee with the Department of Education for 16 years, Gene coordinates various activities for high school hospitality programs including Travel WV, Pro Start Restaurant Management Program and the Lodging Management Program in 53 of the state's 55 counties. Additionally, he coordinates adult training for many hospitality businesses across the state. Gene serves on the Board of Directors for the West Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association, as vice-chair for its Foundation which raises money for scholarships. Prior to his current position, he worked for the Department as a coordinator with marketing and cooperative education programs.

A native of Newport News, VA, Gene graduated from Denbigh High School. He received his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Christopher Newport University in Newport News. Gene went on to receive his master's degree in Vocational Education from Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, VA.

Gene has recently been honored with the American Hotel and Lodging Association's Lamp of Learning Award for his significant contributions to hospitality education. In 2001, the Fayette County Corridor L Tourism Conference honored him with the first annual "Gene Coulson" award, an annual award named after him. The West Virginia Tourism Commission awarded him the West Virginia Stars of the Industry Award in 1998.

A resident of Charleston for nearly 17 years, Gene enjoys spending his vacations at the beach, especially at the Outer Banks in North Carolina. While at home, he enjoys gardening and cooking on his grill.

Contact Information for Gene Coulson