CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Karen Bowling, secretary of the state Department of Health and Human Resources, one of the state’s largest agencies, has submitted her resignation and plans to depart the agency Jan. 16.
Bowling is one of several cabinet secretaries in Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin’s administration who will not be making the transition to the incoming Jim Justice administration.
Justice announced this week that businessman Woody Thrasher will take over from Keith Burdette as Commerce Secretary. He announced last week that former Wood County Sheriff Jeff Sandy will serve as the secretary of the state Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety, replacing Joe Thornton. Kay Goodwin, secretary for the Department of Education and the Arts, plans to retire. Randy Huffman, secretary for the state Department of Environmental Protection, announced last week that he’s leaving for a new job at the Air National Guard.
Today, in a written statement, Bowling said she is grateful to have served and plans to start a new endeavor in February.
“My heartfelt wish is for the State of West Virginia to grow and prosper in the coming years,” Bowling stated. “I will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition for the next administration. I believe Governor-elect Jim Justice will continue the mission to help West Virginian’s prosper while improving their health and well-being. I wish him and his administration much success.”
Bowling was appointed DHHR secretary on July 1, 2013.
Before leading DHHR, Bowling had a variety of direct care and leadership positions in the health care and education arena. She started her career as an emergency room nurse in a small rural hospital in Wyoming County. She continued to work in acute care and hospital supervision until 1983, when she joined the Wyoming County Board of Education to develop the School Health Program.
Bowling served in a number of capacities in both the hospital setting and higher education until 1990 when she began working in hospital administration. In 2001, Bowling became the chief executive officer of Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley..
She has served in various leadership roles at the West Virginia Hospital Association, including being the Chairperson. She was a board member of many not-for-profit organizations, which included the Raleigh County Community Action Association, YMCA of Beckley, and the Beckley Healthright Clinic. In addition, Bowling served as the past chairwoman of the Beckley Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce.
Bowling is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Organizations and a certified Family Nurse Practitioner.
A native of Mullins, Wyoming County, Bowling graduated from Bluefield State College with an Associate Degree in Nursing in 1977. She continued her education at West Virginia University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1983 and a Master of Science in Primary Healthcare/Nursing in 1990.
Bowling submitted a resignation letter Dec. 14.
“It has been an honor to serve in your administration,” Bowling wrote. “I know that the mission to serve the citizens in this great state has been your top priority. Your outstanding leadership has helped guide the state through some very challenging times. You never wavered from your vision of making the state a better place to live for all of our citizens. For that, I am truly grateful. I consider it a privilege to have been a part of the accomplishments of this administration.
“Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your team.”