Inducted
2021
Michael J. Quillen serves as lead independent director for Alpha Metallurgical Resources. Quillen is also director of Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. In addition to his board involvement, Quillen manages Quillen Properties LLC and MJQ LLC and serves as an advisor on mining, energy, economic development and transportation issues. Over the course of his career, Quillen has held several executive roles in the mining industry including chief executive officer and chairman of the board of Alpha Natural Resources, which he founded in 2002. Prior to Alpha, he was one of the founders of Whitehaven Coal Company where he was a member of the board and held senior leadership positions. Quillen served in several other senior roles including executive vice president of operations at American Metals and Coal International, president of coal sales at Pittston Coal Company and president of Paramount Coal. Quillen is known for his treatment of people, "I just always go by the golden rule -you treat people how you want to be treated," he said. "It's just what you do." This attitude spilled over to his coworkers and created a positive company environment where people excelled. Quillen led the "Running Right" implementation at Alpha. Running Right is a philosophy where each employee is provided an anonymous communication avenue for safety, production and business improvement ideas. Running Right gave employees a voice at the table.