Kennedy Named 2026 West Virginia School HR Official

Tonya Kennedy, personnel director for McDowell County Schools, received the Gregory Bailey award from the West Virginia Association of School Human Resources Officials.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Awards

Kennedy Named 2026 West Virginia School HR Official

The West Virginia Association of School Human Resources Officials named Tonya Kennedy the 2026 Gregory Bailey West Virginia School Human Resources Official of the Year. The award was presented Oct. 30, 2026, at the association's Fall Conference at Stonewall Resort.

Why it matters

The honor recognizes personnel administration and contributions to public education and the community across West Virginia. Recipients are selected by peers within the association.

The award is presented annually to one school human resources official, selected by peers in the association. Kennedy holds a bachelor's degree in behavioral sciences from Bluefield University and a master's degree in elementary education and teaching from Liberty University.

The players

Tonya Kennedy

Personnel director for McDowell County Schools in southern West Virginia, recognized for two decades of service to the district.

West Virginia Association of School Human Resources Officials

The statewide professional association of school human resources officials that selects and presents the Gregory Bailey award.

The details

Kennedy began her career in McDowell County Schools as a secretary in the personnel office and later worked as a classroom teacher before becoming personnel director. The award was established in 2016 by the Bowles Rice law firm in memory of Greg Bailey, who died suddenly in January 2015.

January 2015: Greg Bailey died suddenly.
2016: The Gregory Bailey award was established.
October 30, 2026: The award was presented at the WVASHRO Fall Conference.

Lifestyle Awards Context

The Gregory Bailey award, established by Bowles Rice in 2016, continues a tradition of memorializing a school human resources leader through annual peer recognition in West Virginia. Each year's honoree is selected by fellow association members rather than by the sponsoring firm.

Kennedy's recognition highlights the personnel work that supports McDowell County Schools staff hiring and administration. Residents of southern West Virginia benefit from the continuity of a district leader with two decades of service.

The takeaway

Peer recognition of school human resources officials draws attention to the administrative work that keeps West Virginia's schools staffed and functioning. Tonya Kennedy's career path from district secretary to personnel director shows how such roles can develop within a single system.