Mike Clowser has announced he will retire as executive director of the Contractors Association of West Virginia after 44 years with the organization.
The association today announced that Jason Pizatella, a lawyer and longtime government official, will assume the role of chief executive officer starting on Oct. 3.
The contractors association works with its members and state officials to develop highways, bridges and other infrastructure. The organization played a central role in the Roads to Prosperity initiative championed by Gov. Jim Justice.
“The CAWV has been a part of my life for over four decades,” Clowser stated in an announcement distributed by the contractors association.
“It has been my great honor and privilege to work with contractors who are building a better West Virginia. Our members are the ones who build the roads and bridges, water and sewer facilities, schools, hospitals and other vital infrastructure that creates thousands of high paying jobs and improves the quality of life for all West Virginians.”
Clowser joined the Contractors Association of West Virginia as director of member services n 1979 and became executive director in 1983. He has served as editor of West Virginia Construction News, the association’s 85-year-old publication, since 1983.
“Mike has been the consummate leader for the CAWV since 1979 and the impact he’s had on the construction industry will be long lasting,” said Contractors Association President James Ridgway of March-Westin Company, Inc. “As an organization we’re sad to see him go but wish him the best in retirement.”
Beyond the contractors association, Clowser is chairman of the West Virginia Business and Industry Council. He served on Charleston City Council and the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Board of Directors from 2003 to 2018. He is past president of the West Virginia Society of Association Executives and is one of the founding members of West Virginians for Better Transportation.
Pizatella will be only the sixth person to lead the association since it was founded in 1923. Pizatella, a lawyer, has been a top aide for multiple West Virginia governors. He also served as the state’s deputy state tax commissioner and as acting revenue secretary and acting administration secretary.
“Big shoes to fill. I’m excited about it,” Pizatella said today on MetroNews’ “Talkline.”
“It’s a great organization, an exciting opportunity for me personally to follow a legend like Mike Clowser. We’ve got a lot of challenges ahead in the industry,” he said, referring both to state highways initiatives as well as the work resulting from the federal infrastructure bill.”
Jason Pizatella will replace Mike Clowser as the executive director of the Contractor's Association of WV. What does Jason want to accomplish in his new role? He talks about this new position with @HoppyKercheval. WATCH: https://t.co/yCFQ3nDJuy pic.twitter.com/1fXyrUPRvp
— MetroNews (@WVMetroNews) August 22, 2022