We are proud to be staffed with talented team members at every level of our organization. Meet our leadership team here. View our volunteer Board of Directors.
Grady W. (Skip) Philips, III, is NW Work’s Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining NW Works in January of 2023, he was the President of Winchester Medical Center and SVP for Acute Care for Valley Health.
Originally from Georgia, Skip brings more than 30 years of experience leading not-for-profit health systems and community-based healthcare in Virginia and Georgia. His collaborative approach to leadership has led to significant service expansions in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, including NW Works’ transitional employment program at Winchester Medical Center, ProjectSEARCH. Skip graduated from Emory University in Atlanta, with bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry and History. He holds a Master of Health Care Administration and a Master of Business Administration, both from Georgia State University.
During his career, he has served in numerous community, church, civic and business organizations with a focus on making his community healthier and a better place to live and work. An active member of the Winchester community, Skip has served on the Board of Directors for the Sinclair Health Clinic and is currently a board member and Treasurer for the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. He has been a member of the Healthcare Council of the Northern Capital Area Planning Committee and has been involved with Lead Virginia as a Regional Advisory Member and Alumni Panelist. Skip is also a Lifetime Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Outside of work, Skip enjoys spending time with his wife Cathy and his three adult children, traveling, hiking and experiencing new adventures and places. Skip and Cathy both support and serve through a variety of community organizations in our community.
Stephanie Lett is NW Work’s Vice President of Finance & Human Resources. Prior to joining NW Works in September of 2019, she handled the finances of Synoptos, a global tech startup based in Washington, DC.
Born and raised in Staunton, Va., Stephanie has lived all over the commonwealth, working within finance for a number of organizations, including several construction companies. She also has previously worked for a national tax consulting firm.
After surviving breast cancer, Stephanie spends a great deal of her time working with others battling the disease. As a consumer reviewer, she is also a full voting member of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs’ Breast Cancer panel, a branch of the Department of Defense. She also volunteers with the American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery Program, is a member of the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network, and previously facilitated a cancer support group.
When she’s not crunching numbers and building budgets, Stephanie loves to travel the world and spend time with her family.
Valerie Carney joined NW Works in July of 2019, after spending two years at Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, Md. as a medical practice supervisor.
Prior to joining NW Works, Valerie spent the majority of her career in the healthcare field, beginning by serving as a Hospital Corpsman in the United States Navy. A proud veteran, Valerie was stationed in a variety of locations both in the country and abroad throughout her service.
After retiring from the Navy, Valerie continued working in healthcare, primarily in hospital settings in the Maryland area.
When she’s not working, you can find Valerie spending time with her family; volunteering with the General Federation of Women’s Club in Martinsburg, where she sits on the board and serves as the Club’s Treasurer; or reading.
Missy Pugh joined NW Works in April of 2016 and currently serves as the Government Contract Manager. Prior to joining the company, Missy pursued a number of careers in the healthcare field, including phlebotomy and dementia care. Starting out as a Business Services Employee, Missy soon found her passion for working with the AbilityOne clients on contracts with the federal government. She now manages teams across nine federal sites in three states.
Pugh’s pride and joy in life are her two daughters, one who is studying to become a nurse and another who is entering fifth grade. She is a talented chef, and enjoys enhancing her culinary skills and hanging with her pups on her back porch, while also spending time with her girls.
A graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College, Jim has been living and working in the Winchester area since 1992. He has worked with a number of vulnerable populations, both at the Timber Ridge School and later at the Northwestern Regional Juvenile Detention Center.
Jim’s connection to the disability community extends beyond his professional role though. Jim’s brother Richard had Down Syndrome and throughout Richard’s adult life, Jim worked closely with his parents to find services and care. At the age of 22, Jim was made the guardian of his brother to ensure he was cared for as both Richard and their parents aged. Although it can be a difficult conversation to have, Jim recognizes the importance of families and care providers having a plan in place for adults who may not have the ability to make legal decisions on their own. He hopes to support clients through not just the employment side of our mission, but to empower them and their loved ones to make informed decisions on all fronts.
Jim and his wife Tammy have two adult children together. Their son Connor is a special education teacher while their daughter Haylie is studying Education at the University of Mary Washington. Outside of work, you can often find Jim exercising or watching a Steelers or Penguins game.
Carly Stoliker joined NW Works as the Director of Development in May of 2021. The former Development Manager of the Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter, Carly holds a passion for both community outreach and advocacy for vulnerable populations.
With a background in Emergency Services, disability groups, and veterans organizations, Carly views her role at NW Works to not just be focused on fund development, but also advocacy for the disability community.
“When people see your passion and energy for something, they want to be a part of that. They too want to be a catalyst for change for the disability community.”
Outside of NW Works, Carly is passionate about supporting the Front Royal Thermal Shelter and is training to become a Certified Yoga Instructor. When she’s not working, you can find Carly kayaking, hiking, grilling, or spending time with her dog, Sir Dudley.
Carly is always interested in expanding opportunities at NW Works. If you want to chat about sponsorship opportunities, planned giving, or upcoming events, send her an email at cstoliker@nwworks.com.
Jake Wharton joined NW Works in July of 2015, working the night shift on the Hood line as a Business Services Employee. He climbed the ranks in the Business Services Department before moving to the Government team, and eventually was promoted to the Facilities Manager. He is excited to carry the organization into its next stages as he manages both the facility overall and the Business Services Department as our Operations Manager.
Although he was born in Manassas, Virginia, Jake moved to Middletown when he was young and continues to live in the community. When Jake isn't working, you can find him spending time on the river with his wife Carly, and dog, Sophie.