Scouting America’s (previously Boy Scouts of America) Mountaineer Area Council on Thursday hosted the 11th annual Distinguished Citizens Dinner at The Erickson Alumni Center to recognize and honor several former Scouts and local leaders who exemplify the values and mission of the organization.
David Goldberg, president and CEO of Mon Health and executive vice president of Vandalia Health, was honored with the 2024 Distinguished Citizen award. Goldberg values the importance of service to the community and is actively involved in numerous local and statewide organizations. In 2019, he founded “100+ People Who Care,” a philanthropic group that has raised more than $80,000 to support local charities in north-central West Virginia through fellowship and stewardship.
He is a member of the West Virginia Executives Healthcare Hall of Fame, received the Distinguished Alumni Award from George Mason University’s college of Health and Human Services and the American Diabetes Association’s Father of the Year Award. He also was the recipient of the Marion County Chamber of Commerce inaugural Francis Pierpont Visionary Award. Goldberg, an advocate for education, serves as an adjunct faculty member of the WVU School of Public Health and lecturer at Fairmont State University.
First Exchange Bank was recognized with the Distinguished Corporate Citizen award. The bank and its employees support local and philanthropic organizations, such as United Way. Most recently First Exchange Bank made notable contributions to the Humane Society and Mannington Hough Park, reflecting its commitment to the well-being of the local community.
The dinner also showcases educators and others who are making a difference in our communities. This year, Jon Benjamin, an associate professor of graphic design, web design and topography at West Virginia Wesleyan College, and Amy Mortensen, a chemistry and environmental science teacher from Liberty High School, received the Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award. This award is presented to people who make their students better people by modeling and teaching Scouting values.
Two local men received the Outstanding Eagle Scout award: Mark Nesselroad and Chuck Scatterday, both of Morgantown. The award, presented on behalf of the National Eagle Scout Association, is presented to Eagle Scouts who demonstrate remarkable achievements well beyond their Scouting endeavors by excelling in their careers/vocations at local, regional, or national levels.
Nesselroad serves as CEO of Glemark Holding LLC. He co-founded and served as CEO of Glenmark Associates, Inc., which grew into the largest nursing home and related ancillary service company in West Virginia. Scatterday is the Shott Teaching Assistant Professor at the Reed College of Media in the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media. His career spans more than 30 years in television production, including 25 years with ESPN, where he helped launch ESPNU.
The Mountaineer Area Council supports more than 1,000 youth in 12 counties in north-central West Virginia.
