ELKINS – The Board of Directors of the Mountain State Forest Festival is pleased to announce their appointment of Lisa A. Shaffer as Director General of the 87th Mountain State Forest Festival.
The festival is scheduled to take place from Sept. 27 through Oct. 5.
The Forest Festival is the state’s oldest and grandest running festival and a premier mountain event that annually attracts tens of thousands of visitors for a regal celebration and homecoming. Shaffer has themed this year’s festival, “Embrace Nature’s Charm.”
Shaffer grew up in Beverly and graduated from Elkins High School. After graduating from West Virginia University, she and her husband, Ben, have made Elkins their forever home. Shaffer is the Executive Director of the Randolph County Housing Authority and has spent her entire career in the affordable housing industry. She serves on the board of directors of the West Virginia Association of Housing Agencies and the HomeOwnership Center, Inc.
“The Mountain State Forest Festival has held a special place in my heart since I was a little girl. I have fond memories of spending Festival Saturday in the City Park, where my dad would pitch horseshoes. Not only did he participate in the tournament, but he was also an active volunteer for the event, even chairing it for many years.” said Shaffer.
She began helping her dad with the tournament in the 1990s and has been a volunteer ever since. Through her work with the Festival, she has volunteered with the Lumberjack Competition, Horseshoe Tournament, Window Decorating, Distinguished Guest Dinner, Queen’s Ball, City Park Events, Beer Fest, Band Field Show, Security, and Communications. Shaffer previously served six years as a Queen’s Department Assistant and one year as the Deputy Director General.
Shaffer’s husband, Ben, served as Director General of the 78th Festival. Her niece, Haleigh Riggleman, was a Flower Girl in the 2013 MSFF and Princess in 2022 and niece, Sarah Riggleman, served as a Maid of Honor in the 84th edition of the festival.
“I am thrilled to work alongside such a talented and dedicated group of Assistant Directors and Executive Director Heidi Bray to deliver a festival that everyone will enjoy and remember,” Shaffer said. “I value the ongoing support from hundreds of volunteers, sponsors, downtown businesses, the City of Elkins, the County of Randolph, Davis & Elkins College, Randolph County Schools, County and State Emergency Responders, Randolph County residents and the many visitors who come from across the state and country.
“The success of this festival relies on the partnerships and support from so many, and we could not make the week a success without all of our incredible community partners. Thank you all for your dedication and support,” said Shaffer.
