Fiesta President Inducted into WV Chamber of Commerce | News, sports, jobs

NEWELL, WV – Elizabeth McIlvain, president and CEO of Fiesta Tableware Company in Newell, West Virginia, will be inducted into the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce at an induction ceremony today at 4 pm in the Greenbrier. Resort in White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia.

McIlvan is among three other inductees: Joseph C. Eddy, retired president and CEO of Eagle Manufacturing Co. and CEO of Justerite Safety Group; Albert Lewis, Glass Inc. International President; and David Simmons, former chairman and CEO of PPD, Inc. CEO.

WVU’s John Chambers College of Business and Economics initiated the WV Business Hall of Fame Award in 2001 to recognize individuals with strong West Virginia connections who have made a significant impact on the business landscape. Nominees must demonstrate exceptional leadership, demonstrated commitment to their community, and have strong West Virginia ties as a West Virginia native, educated in West Virginia or built their career in West Virginia.

“I am truly humbled to be recognized among all the business leaders of this great state since this award was presented.” said McIlvan. “West Virginians are hardworking, creative, tough and resourceful! I’m proud to be from here and to continue my family’s legacy of preserving jobs and manufacturing in West Virginia.

McIlvan was born in Newell, West Virginia with clay running through her veins. A fourth-generation member of the Wells family to own and operate the Homer Laughlin China Company, now known as The Fiesta Tableware Company, she joined the company shortly after graduating from Bethany College. She held various supervisory positions at the plant, ending up as plant superintendent of the hotel division before taking a break from her career, where her two daughters now work for the company.

McIlvan joined the company as vice president in 2007 and became the company’s first female leader, succeeding her brother as president and CEO in 2013. Under her leadership, The Fiesta Tableware Company and the iconic Fiesta® brand celebrated the company’s 150th anniversary and the Fiesta® brand’s 85th anniversary in 2021.