Wanda Hairston has been a member of the Governor's Office of Appalachia since its inception in 1988. She assists with administering planning grant programs as well as monitors and tracks mini grants in the office. She often plans, organizes and coordinates meetings, luncheons and workshops involving GOA staff. More recently, she has been working with tourism-related initiatives in the region.

Wanda acts as a liaison among legislators, general public, other governmental departments, local development districts, regional offices, federal ARC officials and staff. She responds to public inquiries of a sensitive nature by telephone, in writing or through face-to-face conversation.

A 2002 graduate of the Appalachia Leadership Academy, Hairston serves on the Make A Difference Day Ohio steering committee and is coordinator of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.