Our Director, Dr. Rosemary Thomas, is a native of Fairmont. She has been involved with RGS since attending as a citizen in 1985. Through the years, Rosemary has served as a junior counselor, instructor, recreation director, and assistant director prior to being elected director.

Dr. Thomas is a second-generation Girls State girl, and a third-generation member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She and her mother, Mary Jo Thomas (RGS ’62), remain very engaged and supportive of the program throughout the state and beyond.  She believes RGS is among the finest programs available for young women to learn about our government, grow as leaders and engaged citizens and enhance their understanding of the appreciation we must have for our Veterans.

Our Registrar is Ann C. Buchanan and she is the citizens’ first and direct connection to the program. Ann has served as a volunteer at Girls State since 1996 and started as our Registrar in 2001. For Ann it is a pleasure to work with the girls, their parents/guardians, their school counselors, principals and unit volunteers. The program is one of the priority programs for the Auxiliary.

Ann joined the Auxiliary more than 30 years ago and is eligible through her husband, Fred, who is a Navy Veteran. In addition to her work at Rhododendron Girls State, Ann has served her local Auxiliary Unit in every leadership position, as well as moved through the ranks of the State Department serving as President in 2006-2007. Ann also serves the ALA on the national level as a member of the Nation Executive Committee and Central Division Girls State and she’s even attended Girls Nation as a volunteer.