CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The U.S. Senate has confirmed a West Virginia resident to be the assistant secretary for the Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Senators confirmed Chris Williamson’s nomination to the position earlier this week. The confirmation was by voice vote.
Williamson currently is the senior counsel to Lauren McFerran, the chairman of the National Labor Relations Board. He previously worked within MSHA during the Obama administration.
Williamson was also a legislative assistant to Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.
“Huge congratulations to Chris Williamson for being confirmed as Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health!” the United Mine Workers of America tweeted Friday. “The #UMWA is thrilled that @MSHA_DOL has put chosen a candidate who will put miners and their families first!”