About Discovery World on Market
Our mission & vision
Our mission is to create an environment for children and the community that exercises curiosity, promotes exploration, and develops imagination through hands-on learning experiences.
Our vision is Discovery World on Market will be the regional STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) destination that provides children and their families one-of-a-kind hands-on experiences that are accessible to all.
Meet our Executive Director, Wendy Shriver
“Here at Discovery World on Market, manufacturing fun is our business and we look forward to seeing you soon!”
-Wendy Shriver, Executive Director
Learn more about Wendy (Favorite childhood activity - playing board games)
Wendy began her role as the executive director of Discovery World on Market in October of 2021. Prior to that, Wendy served as the executive director of Downtown PKB, Parkersburg’s Main Street Community, for the past seven years.
During her time at Downtown PKB, Wendy grew the capacity of the organization, developed strategic plans and goals for the organization, and built collaborative relationships in both the public and private sectors of business. As the director of Downtown PKB, Wendy led a 23-member board of directors and directed the work plans of the organization’s committees.
Prior to her tenure at Downtown PKB, Wendy worked in healthcare for 18 years with five of those years in healthcare marketing. Wendy has participated in various leadership training programs and serves on Downtown PKB’s board of directors, Member of Wood County Economic Development, on the board of directors for the Camden Clark Memorial Hospital Federal Credit Union.
Wendy resides in Parkersburg with her husband Curtis, daughter Reagan and son Brady.
Meet our STEAM Manager, Logan Mace
Learn more about Logan (Favorite childhood activity - Taking my toys apart to see how they worked, then forgetting how they went back together...)
Born and raised in Parkersburg, Logan grew up fascinated with all things "STEAM". Now, as the STEAM Manager for Discovery World on Market, Logan brings his experiences, and the same childhood excitement, with him. Most recently serving as faculty member for Communications and Digital Media programs, and Makerspace Coordinator at WVU Parkersburg, one of his proudest moments was leading efforts to train and manufacture PPE with multiple organizations during the height of the pandemic.
Logan spends much of his free time with his family, as a YouTube content creator, musician and self-proclaimed "gear head".
Logan resides in Washington, WV with his wife Julie, daughter Evan and son Rome.
Meet our Operations Manager, Melissa Wilson
“My goal as the Operations Manager is to ensure this is a place that people want to continue to visit and provide the best possible customer service.”
-Melissa Wilson, Operations Manager
Learn more about Melissa - (Favorite childhood activity - I enjoyed playing the clarinet )
Melissa Wilson is from Parkersburg, WV but grew up all over due to travel with her military family. She moved back to this area when she was in junior high. Melissa have four children whom she has homeschooled. Two have graduated from West Liberty and one from WVU. One is currently attending WVU and one is still in high school. In her free time Melissa enjoys reading and re-decorating her home.
Meet our Administrative Assistant, Samantha Suggs
“My hope for working at Discovery World is creating a magical play place for every child that enters our doors and maybe even reminding the adults it’s okay to play sometimes too!”
-Samantha Suggs, Administrative Assistant
Learn more about Samantha- (Favority Childhood Activity - Creating magical worlds and adventures with my brothers while we played outside)
Samantha Suggs is from Charleston, WV and attend college in Lake Wales, FL. After completing her degree, she moved to Parkersburg, WV with her husband who grew up in the area. Samantha and her husband have a beautiful baby girl who brings a great deal of joy to their lives. When choosing to return to work she wanted to work somewhere making a difference in the community her daughter would grow up in and support her new role as a mother. Discovery World has been the perfect place to return to work. The environment and staff are wonderful! She loves walking through the museum and seeing all the families having fun, knowing that her daughter has a magical place to grow up. .
Discovery World on Market
Board of Directors
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
-Mahatma Gandhi
Tres Ross
Chairman of the Board
The Ross Foundation
Dr. Tori Jackson
Vice-Chairman of the Board
WVU Parkersburg
Mike Townsend
Treasurer of the Board
Woodcraft Supply
Melissa Ross
Secretary of the Board
The Ross Foundation
Ryan Barber
Board Member
City of Parkersburg
Travis Righter
Board Member
Righter Legal / River Road Investments
Leo Lech
Board Member
Chemours
Monica Matheny
Board Member
Matheny Motors
Tim Matheny
Board Member
Matheny Motors
Keith McClung
Board Member
Crown Florals & Gifts
Zach Stanley Board Member
United Bank
Karen Waller
Board Member
Retired Educator
Heather Miller
Board Member
Building Bridges to Careers