Mark Scott, the administration secretary for the executive branch, has resigned.
The Justice administration acknowledged his departure this afternoon, saying Scott’s resignation is effective at the end of this month but that he is using leave until then.
“We have received Mark Scott’s letter of resignation which is effective the final day of this month. Currently, Mark is on a previously scheduled vacation and unavailable for comment. This is all the information we have to provide at this time,” communications director C.J. Harvey said in an emailed statement.
Scott’s resignation was first reported by the Ogden Newspapers, which got comment from Gov. Jim Justice.
Asked about Scott’s resignation Tuesday by an Ogden reporter at a Wheeling event, Justice responded “A lot of this I don’t know all the particulars about, but there are some real issues surrounding Mark.
The governor continued, “I think Mark has done a good job in many ways, but maybe he got out over his skis and there are some real issues there and everything – from self-interest versus self-serving interest.”
MetroNews attempted to reach Scott, but has not heard back. MetroNews also tried to get a copy of the resignation letter but was told it’s not currently available.
The Department of Administration oversees a range of programs and services relating to personnel, purchasing, technology, facility management, health and liability insurance, real estate and more. The agency is over the Public Employees Insurance Agency, and Scott regularly chaired the insurance agency’s meetings.
Justice appointed Scott to be the administration secretary starting Nov. 1, 2021. His appointment followed former Administration Secretary Allan McVey’s appointment as West Virginia Insurance Commissioner.
Before that, Scott had served as the president of the Randolph County Commission and worked in the insurance business in north central West Virginia for 27 years before his retirement from the private sector.
While Scott was working as administration secretary, on Feb. 27, an organization called Conservative Policy Action — a federally-registered “super PAC dedicated to promoting conservative candidates in West Virginia” — announced Scott was appointed chairman of its board: “We are thrilled to welcome Mark Scott to the helm as our distinguished Chairman of the Board!”
So that meant that while Scott remained employed in his government job with oversight of state purchasing and health contracts, he was also working for a political organization that raised funds and endorsed West Virginia candidates.
The political action committee made a range of endorsements in West Virginia political races, including Justice’s race for U.S. Senate. Much of its focus was on promoting Republican Kris Warner’s candidacy for Secretary of State and working against his Republican opponent, Doug Skaff, who had previously been a Democrat.
“Mark’s alignment with the vision of making West Virginia great resonates with the objectives of Conservative Policy Action. His wealth of experience, strategic acumen and commitment to the conservative cause will undoubtedly guide us toward even greater success in promoting and electing the RIGHT people for West Virginia,” the political action committee stated in that announcement.