FAIRMONT, WV — June 23, 2015 — The High Technology Foundation announced today the election of the newest member of its Board of Directors, Michael J. Basile, Esquire.
“I couldn’t be more pleased to have Michael on our Board of Directors. He brings incredible insight and experience to the governance of the High Tech Foundation,” said James L. Estep, President and CEO. “Mike will be especially beneficial in providing guidance to the growth of the I-79 Technology Park and its role as an engine for economic diversification.”
Mr. Basile is the Managing Member at Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC Attorneys at Law in Charleston. Mr. Basile’s primary areas of practice are state and local government law, business expansion & development, land use planning and administrative law centering on economic and community development. He is experienced in drafting and promoting legislation and administrative rules before the West Virginia Legislature and Executive Branch.
Mr. Basile’s notable career portfolio includes serving as Associate General Counsel, General Counsel and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Office of Governor Gaston Caperton (1994 – 1997), General Counsel to the West Virginia Development Office (1993 – 1994), and Assistant and Senior Assistant Attorneys General (1991 – 1993). Basile’s professional affiliations include the Charleston Inter-Regional Chamber of Commerce, Chairman (2008 – 2014), Board of Directors (2004 – Present); Charleston Area Alliance, Chairman, Executive Committee, Board of Directors (2004 – Present); Vision Shared, Inc., Board of Directors (2006 – 2014); Discover the Real West Virginia, Board of Directors, (2009 – Present); and the Young Presidents’ Organization, Mountain State Chapter, Member (2008 – 2011).
Basile’s awards and distinctions include being nominated by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America, Government Relations Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law, being recognized by Chambers USA for America’s Leading Lawyers for Corporate/Commercial Law, and being listed in West Virginia Super Lawyers for Business/Corporate and Government/Cities/Municipalities.
A native of Fairmont, Basile earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from West Virginia University and the Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
Basile proudly welcomes the opportunity to serve the High Technology Foundation Board with its Chairman James R. Haney, Dr. Frank W. Blake, Michael I. Green, and James L. Estep.
ABOUT THE HIGH TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION
The High Technology Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Fairmont, W.Va., functioning as an engine of economic change for growing a statewide and regional high-tech business sector. The Foundation has established a multi-faceted approach to maximize economic growth, including emphasis on business infrastructure, research and development, and commercialization and workforce development.