CHARLESTON, W.Va. — House of Delegates Speaker Roger Hanshaw publicly announced his leadership appointments Thursday less than two weeks from the beginning of the 60-day regular session.
As previously reported by MetroNews, Del. Eric Householder, R-Berkeley, will move from the chairman’s job with the House Finance Committee to the role of House Majority Leader.
“The time is right to realign the expertise we have across our leadership team, and Eric has been at the forefront of our efforts throughout the past decade to bring conservative principles to bear through the House,” Hanshaw said Thursday.
Hanshaw announced that former majority leader Amy Summers, R-Taylor, will now chair the House Committee on Health. Del. Heather Tully, R-Nicholas, will serve as vice chair.
“Both Heather and Amy bring real-world healthcare experience to a topic that now more than ever needs a keen eye, a fine-toothed comb and the legislative acumen to steer us through some really big and really tough decisions,” Hanshaw said in Thursday’s news release. “We have the opportunity to lead with our expertise and continue taking strong action with this crucial committee.”
Del. Vernon Criss, R-Wood, previous vice chairman of finance, is the new finance chairman. Hanshaw has appointed Del. John Hardy, R-Berkeley, as the committee’s vice chair.
“The time is right to realign the expertise we have across our leadership team, and Eric has been at the forefront of our efforts throughout the past decade to bring conservative principles to bear through the House,” Hanshaw said. “We couldn’t have a better mix of strong leadership, experience and temperament to run the Finance Committee than we have with Vernon and John.”
Hanshaw was reelected speaker by the Republican caucus earlier this month. He defeated Del. Brandon Steele, R-Raleigh, for the position. Steele had previously been part of Hanshaw’s leadership team as chairman of the Government Organization Committee. Steele no longer has a leadership role.
Other appointments of note:
Del. Chris Phillips, R-Barbour, is the new chairman of Government Organization.
Del. Paul Espinosa, R-Jefferson, is the new Speaker Pro Tempore.
Del. Matt Rohrbach, R-Cabell, will serve in the new role of Deputy Speaker.
Del. Moore Capito, R-Kanawha, stays as Judiciary Committee chair.
Del. Joe Ellington, R-Mercer, remains as Education Committee chair.
Del. Clay Riley, R-Harrison, will serve as Conference Chairman.
Del. Gary Howell, R-Mineral, is the new chairman of the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism.