Callie Isenberg serves as the Assistant Director of Talent Retention and Workforce Development for the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative. In this role, she leads First Ascent—West Virginia’s flagship talent retention program—and contributes to the strategic growth of workforce development initiatives across the state. With a strong commitment to building community and purpose through outdoor connection, Callie helps recent graduates and remote professionals thrive personally and professionally in West Virginia.
Callie first joined the OEDC as the Greenbrier Valley Experience Coordinator for Ascend WV, where she supported new residents in finding a sense of belonging through outdoor recreation and community engagement. She now brings that same passion for connection to her statewide leadership role, helping cultivate the next generation of West Virginia leaders.
Callie holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Salisbury University and an M.A. in Education from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Her professional journey is deeply rooted in people-centered work, combining her background in science and education with her belief in the transformative power of community.
Before landing in West Virginia, Callie and her family made the bold decision to sell their belongings, buy a camper, and hit the road. Over the course of a year, they traveled to 43 states and 19 National Parks. When her husband was accepted into the Ascend WV program, they visited Lewisburg, fell in love with the area, and knew they’d found their forever home. Toda y, they continue to embrace the outdoor lifestyle that first brought them here—hiking, biking, and kayaking through the region’s stunning natural landscapes.