By SHELLEY HANSON

MOUNDSVILLE — City of Moundsville Mayor Sara Wood-Shaw always wanted a job that was purposeful and fulfilling and she has found just that in public service.

Wood-Shaw was elected to Moundsville City Council in 2018 and took office as an at-large council member in 2019. She has served as mayor since January 2023.

“My career has been focused on public service, which includes City Council, my role as Mayor, and my work with nonprofit and community organizations,” she said. “Prior to running for Council, I worked in public service internationally, regionally, and in my home community of Moundsville. Deciding to run for City Council in 2018 was an extension of the work that I wanted to continue doing for my community in an elected capacity.”

Wood-Shaw has strong ideas on what a public servant’s important duties are.

“I believe that to be a true public servant, of course you must focus on economic growth, workforce development, infrastructure improvements, and improving city services, but an important component of being a public servant should also be caring for the development, well-being, and struggles of residents,” she said.

“A vital part of a healthy, vibrant, and growing community is ensuring that we are including all of our citizens in this growth and development,” she added. “This is why, in addition to the usual roles and responsibilities of a Mayor, I choose to actively participate in community programs and committees that focus on food security, reentry, substance use prevention, workforce opportunities, and more.

“During my service as a Council member and Mayor, I have also maintained employment in the public service and nonprofit sector working daily on improving our communities.”

As mayor, Wood-Shaw’s work is different every day.

“I must be responsive and able to easily adapt to the needs of the city, its residents, and my fellow Council members,” she said. “Being easily accessible and visible is an important part of the role of Mayor. A typical day could range from answering citizen phone calls whether they have questions, concerns, or ideas; directing citizens to the right locations to address their needs; participating in community and regional meetings; managing Council and Committee meetings; executing committee events; researching policies and programs that may be beneficial for our community; and more.

“Each task is focused on continuing to progress the development of our city and being an advocate for our citizens.”

Wood-Shaw said having more female representation is a bright spot in the Ohio Valley.

“Moundsville currently has a majority woman City Council. When I previously served as vice mayor and our mayor was Judy Hunt, Moundsville had our first woman mayor and vice mayor duo in our community’s history,” she said. “This representation is important. It’s important for other women to see women of all ages running for office in our communities.”

She also sees the recent growth and development happening in the region, especially in Moundsville, as a major plus for the community.

“There is increased development and activity taking place all across the Ohio Valley currently. It is an exciting time to be involved in this upward momentum,” she said. “In our small communities in the Ohio Valley, perhaps unlike other larger regions across the nation, you are able to execute real change and see the fruits of your labor and progress on the front lines. I am continually inspired by the hard work and innovative ideas of those working in the Ohio Valley.”

Wood-Shaw’s philosophy on life and work involves finding happiness in helping others.

“I am the type of person that must find fulfillment and purpose in my work,” she said. “I have to feel and believe that the work I am doing betters the lives of others and my community.”

Wood-Shaw said she learned valuable lessons about life at a young age.

“Never be afraid to ask questions, never be afraid to admit if you do not know something, and always do what you say you’re going to do,” she said. “From a young age, I’ve always been one to easily ask questions if I didn’t know the answer or needed clarification.

“Growing up, my dad always had a mantra that he said to me that I still quote to this day, ‘If you do not ask questions, then you do not learn.’ No one can be a subject-matter expert on everything or know every answer off the top of their head.

“It’s OK to say, ‘I do not know, but I will find out.’ It’s OK to ask multiple questions, research, or call a colleague or organization that has expertise on the subject. Asking questions, not knowing an answer immediately, or admitting when you’re wrong – none of these are weaknesses; they are strengths and they can be difficult to do, but are important and authentic qualities for anyone, not only community leaders.”

Wood-Shaw said she is thrilled to see more women of all ages running for public office. She advises young women interested in becoming a public servant to talk to those who have already gone through the process.

“Making the decision to run for an elected position can be hard. The unknowns, the process of putting yourself into a public arena, and the election process can be stressful,” she said. “However, there are plenty of people who are willing to support you on the journey. Reach out to others who have or currently hold positions you are interested in, schedule a time to meet with them, and make these connections. We want you to call us and we want you to become involved.”

Wood-Shaw said she is proud residents of her city have chosen her to represent them.

“It is an honor that I do not take lightly to represent my community,” she said. “I am proud that I will have the opportunity to raise my child in the community that I work for daily.”

Wood-Shaw and her husband, Holden, are expecting their first child in May.