CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Governor-elect Jim Justice made his final cabinet secretary appointments Saturday less than two days from taking office.
Justice chose Tom Smith, an engineer with years of federal highways experience, to be Secretary of Transportation. Smith will also serve as Division of Highways commissioner, Justice said.
“It’s no secret that we’ve got to trim the fat in the Division of Highways and make it accountable. Tom is the right man to help me fix our roads and be responsible with every dollar of taxpayer money.”
Smith worked for the Federal Highway Administration for more 37 years, 16 of those as the top administrator overseeing federal highway work in the Mountain State. For the last year he worked for the Appalachian Regional Commission. He plans to join the Justice team in February.
“I am honored for the opportunity to serve the governor-elect and the people of West Virginia,” Smith said. “Transportation is an economic driver because it creates jobs in the short term and brings the potential for long-term development benefits. Upgrading our roads means more jobs and a better quality of life for West Virginia families. I also want to bring a strong focus on improving the safety of our many roadways and work zones.”
Justice also announced Saturday he’s turning to the acting director of the state Lottery, John Myers, to lead the state Department of Administration.
“John Myers’ dedication to public service and his love our state make him a great choice for secretary of the Department of Administration,” Justice said. “John just won’t keep the trains running on time, he will help my team make government operate more like a business. He has the experience in the private sector and public sector to really make government function more efficiently.”
Myers took over the reins of the West Virginia Lottery in late 2015 from longtime director John Musgrave who retired.
“I am excited for the opportunity to continue my service to the people of West Virginia and to be part of the team the Governor-elect is building,” Myers said. “In my new role I want to help the taxpayers by making government run more cost effective. It will take innovative ideas to achieve the Governor-elect’s goal of making West Virginia number one and I am ready to help him in every way.”
Myers has helped lead various organizations in Mason and Putnam counties. He also held a top position at the Toyota plant in Buffalo.
Justice will be sworn in to office Monday.