From Communications to Color Guard with Carrie Hodousek

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I chat with Carrie Hodousek at Meet Ups 64 in Putnam County to talk about her work and passion projects. Carrie is the acting communications director for the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office, a role she’s stepping into after serving as the assistant communications director. She handles press releases, coordinates events, and travels with the state treasurer for media engagements. 

Carrie explains that the treasurer’s office is like the state’s largest bank, managing programs like the SMART529 college savings plan and unclaimed property. She shares a memorable story about a former Olive Garden employee who used unclaimed funds to help pay for a wedding. Carrie is already on the road for check presentations, including funds from firearms auctions being reinvested into police departments across the state for equipment and technology upgrades. 

Before her current role, Carrie spent a decade in radio, including mornings with Chris Lawrence on West Virginia MetroNews and reporting in San Francisco. She values storytelling and connecting with people but transitioned to communications for a better work-life balance. 

Carrie’s side hustle is a labor of love. She leads Lyra Winterguard, a group based in Huntington that showcases the color guard talents of local students and young adults. They perform intricate routines with flags, rifles, sabers, and dance. The program operates during the winter season and competes regionally. Carrie emphasizes the mental and physical commitment these performances require, reflecting her own passion as a former marching band member and Drum Corps International participant. 

As we wrap up, Carrie encourages listeners to pursue their side hustles with commitment and joy. For her, the effort doesn’t feel like work because of her love for what she does.