Meet the Commissioners

• Danielle Stewart – Chair

  

  Danielle Stewart was raised in Beckley, WV, graduating from WWHS in 1989.  She attended Concord University graduating in 1994 with a BA in Geography.  She joined the Army Reserve in 1992 and went on Active Duty in 1995.  She earned her MBA from Webster University and graduated the Army Command and General Staff College in 2010.  She retired as a Major from the Army in 2015 after 23 years total service.

  Danielle served as the Executive Director of Piney Creek Watershed Association for almost four years before leaving to seek political office.  She is the Chair of the Beckley Human Rights Commission and serves on the boards of Fairness WV, Friends of the New River Gorge, the Raleigh County Prevention Coalition, and the West Virginia Gay & Lesbian Community Center. 

  Danielle is in a long-term relationship with her partner, Christina, and is the parent to two daughters, Meghan and Heather; and the grandparent of Khalessi and Ava.

  – Appointed: July 1, 2020
  – Term complete: June 30, 2023

   

• Robert Dunlap – Vice-Chair

  

  Robert P. Dunlap, is a local, Raleigh County attorney, Chairman of the board for the West Virginia Red Cross, Beckley Human Rights Commission, Raleigh County Men’s Fellowship Home, Downtown Beckley Business Association, the Beckley Art Center, and the previously served on the Historic Landmark Commission, Women’s Resource Center, and Fairness West Virginia. He volunteers for numerous other charities and honored as a WVVA Hometown Hero! In 2017, Rob halted the demolition of the Historic Beckley Newspaper Building, purchasing the five story Prince Street structure weeks before the city scheduled demolition. This structure now has numerous thriving businesses and residents previously not located in Ward 3. Rob is a Southern West Virginian and Duquesne School of Law MBA/JD Dual Program Graduate. He is licensed to Practice Law in three Federal Jurisdictions, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. He successfully runs numerous corporations including Family Options Providers, Deep Creek Capital, Etc. He enjoys weight training, property restoration and spending time with his son Trey (age 12). His firm employs seven persons and covers many counties and practice areas including Real Estate, Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation, Personal Injury, Wills and Estates, and Bankruptcy.

• Marie Bechtel

Marie C. Bechtel was appointed to a three-year term on the Beckley Human Rights Commission in August 2018 by Mayor Rob Rappold. Marie is a 1995 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, a 1999 graduate of West Virginia University, and a 2002 graduate of the WVU College of Law. She practices law with Legal Aid of West Virginia, Inc., and is the owner of Bechtel Law Office, PLLC.

• Tarsha Bolt

• Quirina Bullock

  My name is Qurina Bullock, better known as Quee to my family and friends. I was born and raised in Beckley, WV. I graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1973. I attended West Virginia State College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood. I have been a teacher for over 40 years. I returned to Beckley in 2012 and obtained employment with the Raleigh County School System.  I am currently employed as a teacher at Beckley Elementary. I have two younger sisters. I have a morkie who has the name of “Indie” who brings a lot of sunshine and laughter to my life. I am a christian and a member of New Hope Baptist Church. Being a member of the Human Rights commission gives me an opportunity to share my compassion and love for all people with those I encounter.

• Dr. Kristi Dumas

  

   

  
  
  
  
  
  
  Kristi is a native of California and transplant to West Virginia. She received a Bachelor of Science from California University Bakersfield, a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University Northridge, and a Doctorate of Psychology with an emphasis in Forensics from Argosy University of Orange. She has worked in the mental health field for over 25 years. Dr. Dumas is a forensic psychologist by trade. She is recognized as a qualified expert witness and routinely provides court testimony on the local, state, and federal level. Kristi owns Dumas Psychology Collective, a licensed behavioral health center and The Brain Training Center WV, a wellness center that offers neurofeedback brain training, yoga, and holistic health classes. Kristi is dedicated to the betterment of her community through philanthropy and civic engagement. She serves as a Commissioner on the Raleigh County Human Rights Commission. Kristi is honored to be the West Virginia Alumni Fellow of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation where she represents and advocates for the over 5.5 million military caregivers across the nation. She is a member of American Psychology Law Society, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, The Links Incorporated, Beckley Rotary Club, Downtown Beckley Business Association, NAACP, and a chartering member of the Southern West Virginia Section of the National Council of Negro Women. Kristi has initiated several local programs aimed at improving the quality of life for both people in the community she lives in and abroad to include:  the Beckley Garden Exchange, Beckley Success Closet, Just Breath WV, New River Riders Cycling and Giving Club, Emergency Services Diversity Hiring Campaign, and Women in Business Initiative. She is on the steering committee of the West Virginia Black Voter Impact Initiative and serves on the West Virginia State Board of Directors for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

• Kelly Elkins

  
  
  Beckley native, joined the Beckley Human Rights Commission in December, 13 2017. Her background is her vast knowledge of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and Disability Rights. She is a member of the Beckley Rotary Club, Leadership Beckley, and Beckley Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). She serves on the board for Beckley Women’s Club, and the and West Virginia Gay and Lesbian Community Center (WVGLCC). Kelly was also a steering committee member for the Beckley Success Closet.

• Donna Ellison

I am Donna Ellison. I graduated from Bluefield High School in 1974. I graduated college from Bluefield State College in Elementary Ed K – 6, multi- subjects K-8, and special education K – Adult. I have taught in Mercer County and Raleigh County schools for 32 years. I am retired but do long term sub jobs in special education classrooms. I have a masters in communication from West Virginia University. I have worked as a river guide started a conservation club at Beckley Jr High and an Outdoor Adventures Club at Woodrow Wilson High School. I am a certified environmental consultant through Marshall University and WV State Garden Club. I am also a Master Naturalist through the DNR and State Garden Club. I am the mother of 4 grown children and have 7 grandchildren and a beagle that is awesome. I am thankful to be on the Human Rights Committee because I believe everyone should be treated fairly. I feel that City of Beckley is working hard to obtain equality and to treat everyone fairly. It is a pleasure serving with The Human Rights Board Commissioner’s.

• Elisabeth Cook – Secretary