Dawn Nolan

Writer & Content Strategist • Economic & Community Development Communicator • Tourism & Destination Marketer

United States

Dawn Nolan is a writer and content strategist with more than 15 years of professional experience in marketing, communications, public relations and journalism.

Her work centers on community and place-based storytelling, with an emphasis on economic development and tourism. Her writing has appeared in regional publications and supported marketing and branding initiatives throughout West Virginia, from feature stories to visitor-focused content and campaigns. She has worked across agency, small business and nonprofit settings, giving her a practical understanding of how targeted content connects with different audiences and supports organizational goals.

Dawn holds bachelor's degrees in English and psychology from Marshall University and has completed graduate coursework in publishing and journalism, with an emphasis on media management and integrated marketing communications. She is based in her home state of West Virginia.

Portfolio

Economic & Community Development

WV Chamber of Commerce
11/01/2024
Made in WV: Sugar Sweet Maple

More and more producers are tapping into the Mountain State’s official tree and hoping for sweet returns.

WV Living
Why Lewisburg?

Small-town charm with plenty of culture and a lot of heart.

WV Chamber Magazine
Swilled Dog's Spirited Success

Entrepreneur Brooke Glover and her Swilled Dog Distillery brand are earning national acclaim while giving back to the community.

Huntington Quarterly
Make No Little Plans

As a finalist in the America's Best Communities competition, Huntington is thinking big with plans to transform the region.

Travel, Tourism & Destinations

Huntington Quarterly
03/12/2026
West Virginia Spring Scene

The opportunities to experience beauty and adventure are endless each spring in the Mountain State.

Wonderful West Virginia
07/17/2025
The Story of Tygart

Tygart Lake State Park is an ultimate summer destination, full of fun for the whole family.

Wonderful West Virginia
12/05/2025
Winter at Blackwater

Celebrate the winter season with a trip to Tucker County's Blackwater Falls State Park.

Wonderful West Virginia
10/01/2024
Eyes in the Skies

West Virginia State Parks’ beloved aerial trams are undergoing a well-deserved makeover.

Wonderful West Virginia
06/17/2024
Nature's Playground

Tucked in the hills of the Mid-Ohio Valley near the small towns of Cairo and Harrisville in Ritchie County, North Bend State Park is a scenic getaway known for its outdoor recreational activities, including access to the 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail.

Campaigns & Strategic Projects

Charleston Gazette-Mail
04/09/2022
WV Farm2Fork: Celebrating the spring stink

You can smell them from a mile away - OK, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but when it's ramp season in West Virginia, you definitely know.

Small Business & People Features

Greenbrier Valley Quarterly
04/17/2026
Max on Main - Greenbrier Valley Quarterly

A third-generation restaurateur steps out of his comfort zone to build something new in the heart of White Sulphur Springs, blending family legacy, wood-fired tradition, and a deep commitment to community.

Huntington Quarterly
03/12/2026
Island Roots

Karubees brings the flavors to the Jewel City

Huntington Quarterly
12/12/2025
Urban Appalachian

Huntington author Marie Manilla writes to callenge stereotypes and reveal the rich, complex reality of life in West Virginia.

Huntington Quarterly
06/13/2025
Most Interesting People

A burgeoning filmmaker, multifaceted artist, world traveler, caring physician, ballet dancer, promising rapper and a locksmith who dresses like Larry Bird. These are some of the city's most interesting people.

Huntingtonquarterly
07/18/2024
Business - Dynamic Duo

After 25 years of marriage, Brad and Wendy Goodenough decided to become business partners. Today they are helping businesses of all sizes solve their biggest IT challenges.

Marshall MD
03/25/2024
Paying It Forward

Dr. Chuck Clements may have been late to a career in medicine, but few have done more for the poor and underserved than this proud Army veteran.

Huntington Quarterly
03/12/2024
Balancing Act

Mark and Michele Muth, two devoted fitness buffs, add a little balance to their lives with the purchase of a popular downtown bar.

Huntington Quarterly
11/2023
Breakfast Time

Mmm, your best bets in the region for the most important meal of the day.

Newspaper Features (Archive)

Charleston Gazette-Mail
07/05/2015
WV's first hard cidery presses forward

West Virginia will soon get a taste of hard cider from the state's only cidery, thanks to two former college friends turned business partners.

Charleston Gazette-Mail
03/22/2015
Wheeling artist goes big with park sculpture

Inside Jeff Forster's metal art workshop in Wheeling stands a stainless steel elephant, towering more than 10 feet tall, stretching 12 feet in length and weighing in at 700 pounds.

Charleston Gazette-Mail
05/03/2015
Wheeling toy museum plays to kids at heart

As Judith Rubin walked along, thoughtfully peering into the glass cases filled with rag, rubber and plastic dolls, one particular plaything caught her eye.

Charleston Gazette-Mail
03/29/2015
Zoo babies debut at Wheeling's Oglebay Park

They might be difficult to spot at first, but clinging tightly to the backs of their furry orange family members are two of the newest additions to Oglebay Park's Good Zoo.