CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two longtime state officials announced their retirements Wednesday
Ronald Moats, the commissioner of the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration, will retire from the position Feb. 17, and Jim Rubenstein, the commission of the West Virginia Division of Corrections, will retire on April 1.
Moats is retiring after 28 years of work in the state government.
“As ABC Commissioner for the past six years, I have had the privilege to work with an incredible staff to build many lasting friendships, and together, I believe we made many positive changes,” Moats said in a statement.
Moats first worked at the administration in 1989, serving multiple roles including director of operations. From 2005 to 2010, Moats served as Senior Project Manager for Governor Joe Manchin, before becoming assistant to the director of the state Lottery Commission.
In January 2011, he returned to the ABCA as acting commissioner, which he held until the state Senate confirmed Moats to the position in March 2012.
“Commissioner Moats has served the state and its citizens with great distinction for many years,” Governor Jim Justice said. “We appreciate all of his hard work and contributions and wish him well in the future.”
Moats was involved in multiple initiatives as commissioner, including the establishment of new e-licensing software to replace outdated systems. He also helped start the NO School Spirits PSA Program to teach children about the risks of underage alcohol abuses.
Rubenstein has served as commissioner for his respective division since 2001.
“I cannot describe what it has meant to me to be the Commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Corrections,” Rubenstein said. “I grew up in corrections, it is part of who I am, and it has been my singular driving force to serve the Division of Corrections to the best of my ability.”
As commissioner, Rubenstein led several projects, including the annual Mock Prison Riot at the former state penitentiary in Moundsville. He also guided reforms that led to a decrease in the inmate population.