ARRIA HINES

Arria Hines is an accomplished and energetic business leader and entrepreneur. She was born and raised in rural West Virginia. She grew up helping her father with his drilling business, often driving a pilot truck ahead of the drilling rig on the country roads that define the state. 

Always looking for a better way, Arria founded her first company, a home interior boutique, in her basement in VA in the 1980s. Later, she moved back to her home state to work in project and leadership roles with Ranger Golf, PRC, and SAIC. 

From this humble beginning, Arria leveraged career opportunities to sharpen her business acumen and her energy knowledge. This led to the founding in 2009 of Allegheny Science & Technology (AST), a Woman-Owned West Virginia-based energy services company. 

Under Arria’s leadership, AST has thrived. It has been recognized as one of America’s fastest-growing privately held companies. Beginning with two employees and one government contract, AST now has nearly 240 employees and more than two dozen contracts across multiple federal agencies. Today, AST is a leader in alternative energy technologies, renewable energies, and it is a key team member on a DOE hydrogen hub effort, Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2). 

Arria is an inspiring example for CEOs throughout WV and the United States. The fast-paced and chaotic environment of the energy industry fits her well; she is passionate about solving complex problems with sustainable, efficient, and effective solutions. Arria thrives on sparking connections between individuals and creating effective partnerships. Her strategic mantra is that we can all achieve more collectively than we can individually. 

In recognition of her personal and professional achievements, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) named Arria as West Virginia’s “Small Business Person of the Year” in 2016. The following year, she was honored as TechConnect WV’s “Outstanding Woman in Technology.” Also in 2017, Arria received the “Innovator of the Year” Award from Women Impacting Public Policy. She was a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2018, and was recognized as “Woman of the Year” by Enterprising Woman Magazine. 

Despite all this, Arria’s focus is her company, her family, and giving back to her state and community. She resides in Lewis County, West Virginia with her husband, Michael, who also has deep roots in WV’s energy community. Arria is a dedicated contributor to her community; giving back with every opportunity and keeping an eye out for opportunities for fellow small businesses in West Virginia. 

Arria currently serves on WVU’s Visiting Committee, TechConnect Board of Directors, West Virginia Governor’s STEM Council, and is an advocate for the WV Public Speaker’s Bureau. She serves on the Upshur County (WV) Development Authority Board and is an executive member of the ARCH2 Board.