01/14/2026
Each year, we recognize Community Champions across West Virginia—people who show up, give back, and help shape the places they call home. In 2025, we’re proud to recognize two of those champions.
This husband–wife duo is championing the Elk River area in big ways. From Ken Tawney’s work as board president for the Elk River Trail Foundation to Cyndi Tawney’s role as publisher of Elk River Living magazine, they work daily to promote, preserve, and uplift the community they call home in creative and lasting ways.
Inspired to create meaningful change after the devastating flooding of the Elk View and Clendenin communities in 2016, Cyndi launched Elk River Living magazine to shine a light on the businesses, events, and people that make the region so special. “The communities were severely impacted—losing homes, losing businesses. They were starting over,” she explains. “We really didn’t have a publication up here that helped with advertising and recognizing the wonderful people, businesses, events, and communities. It was an idea of, ‘Hey, I want to do this!’”
As Ken transitioned into retirement, he knew slowing down wasn’t an option. “I felt that following in my father’s footsteps and giving back to my community was something worthwhile doing in retirement,” he says. “It does give me a sense of fulfillment to know that we are making a difference in our communities along the Elk River—an area that I love.”
In February 2020, Ken helped form the Elk River Trail Foundation to support and improve the Elk River Trail, which runs from Sutton to Clendenin, while promoting outdoor recreation, economic development, and tourism throughout the region.
The Tawneys’ commitment to community doesn’t stop there. Both serve on the Board of Directors for 25045 - A New Clendenin . Cyndi is also an active board member for the Kanawha County Public Library and the Elk River Library Advisory Board, while Ken serves on the board for WV TRAILS.
“We each have different parts of the community that are our niche,” Cyndi says. “Where we kind of shine.” And after 50 years together—with friends, family, and grandchildren close by—they continue to share that light with the community they love.
🤍 Drop a thank you for Ken & Cyndi in the comments.
