Ronnie was involved in Canaan Valley Institute’s formation and has been with the organization since its beginning. He lives in Canaan Valley, West Virginia and recently retired from his position as the Financial Administrator for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia.

Ronnie attended public schools in Tucker and Randolph Counties and also attended Marshall University, New Mexico State University, Potomac State College, and West Virginia University.

He entered the Peace Corps in Guatemala in 1962. He served as Chief Bridge Inspector and Internal Auditor for the West Virginia Department of Highways; as Internal Auditor for the U.S. Internal Revenue Service; and as Mine Clerk and Controller for Island Creek Coal Company. Ronnie has also served on the Tucker County School Board and as Chairman of the Board for the Canaan Valley Landowners Association.