"We’re not just battling unemployment - we’re battling invisibility and misrepresentation."
Jackie “Jack” Hatfield Jr. is the 3rd great-grandson of William Anderson “Devil Anse” Hatfield and President of the Hatfield McCoy Foundation. Growing up in Southern West Virginia instilled in him resilience, pride in place, and a commitment to uplifting his community. Jack is leading an effort to create a permanent Hatfield-McCoy Heritage Center, a living cultural hub that honors the true history of the Hatfield and McCoy families while generating jobs, tourism, and multigenerational learning opportunities.
Jack’s vision centers on reclaiming narrative, inspiring local pride, and providing pathways for youth and community members to engage in historical preservation, artisan work, and tourism. Through hands-on leadership, mentorship, and community partnerships, Jack seeks to build on the multiple efforts within Southern West Virginia to forge a tourism destination where local needs are met and prioritized, visitors can connect in a variety of ways, and the region’s story is told with integrity. His work embodies dedication, collaboration, and the spirit of building a future that honors both history and potential.