Charleston, W.Va. (WVDN) – The West Virginia Association of School Human Resource Officials (WVASHRO) is pleased to honor Denece Dial with the 2025 Gregory Bailey West Virginia School Human Resource Official of the Year Award. Established by the Bowles Rice law firm in memory of respected Education Law Attorney Greg Bailey, the award is presented annually to the school human resource official who has distinguished themselves in personnel administration and has contributed to the betterment of public education and the community. Denece, Director of Personnel for Fayette County Schools, was presented the award at the WVASHRO Fall Conference held at Stonewall Resort on October 31, 2025.
“Through my eyes, I am undeserving, very humbled, honored, and even more inspired to continue striving forward with the same courage, spirit, and integrity defined by Mr. Greg Bailey and previous recipients,” said Denece. “Their work not only set a standard of excellence, but of heart.”
Denece has been employed with Fayette County Schools for 11 years. She joined the Personnel department in January 2017 under the direction of the late Margaret Pennington, who was also a past recipient of the Greg Bailey award. Denece began her career as a fourth-grade teacher in 2014 before transitioning into the role of Certification Officer in 2017 for Fayette County Schools.
During her five years working alongside Ms. Pennington, Denece gained invaluable experience as she listened, observed, and learned both directly and indirectly.
“Through WVASHRO, I also have become acquainted with many of my past and present valuable state-wide colleagues,” said Denece.
Denece holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems with a minor in Marketing from the West Virginia Institute of Technology. She later earned a second bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Concord University and went on to pursue a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, also from Concord University.
The Gregory Bailey School Human Resources Official of the Year Award was established in 2016 in honor of attorney Greg Bailey, who died suddenly in January 2015. The annual award is presented to an individual in a personnel position who has distinguished themselves in several areas:
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Personnel administration at the local and/or state level;
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Involvement and participation in local, state, national and/or international personnel functions and/or programs;
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Impactful contribution on public education at the local, state, national and/or international level;
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Skilled management of change and creative approach to personnel administration;
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Thoughtful approach to personnel administrative work, including a sense of humor and a sense of respect for his/her fellow man.
Past recipients of the award include Justin Schooley, Deputy Superintendent of Operations, Berkeley County Schools (2016); Carol Hamric, Human Resources Executive Director, Kanawha County Schools (2017); Bill Linville, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Lincoln County Schools (2018); Margaret Pennington, Associate Superintendent, Fayette County Schools (2019); Susan Grady, Human Resources Director, Mineral County (2020); Doug Clemons, Associate Superintendent and Human Resources Director, Greenbrier County Schools (2021); Ronald “Ron” Pauley, Human Resources Executive, Kanawha County Schools (2022); Amy Loring, Chief Human Resources Officer, Jefferson County Schools (2023); and Dr. Kristal Filipek, Human Resources Director, Mercer County Schools (2024).
