CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s cabinet has several new faces along with some holdovers from the Justice administration.
Morrisey is keeping Chelsea Ruby as the secretary of tourism.
“Many people have said so many incredible things about her, the work she’s done to put West Virginia tourism on the map,” Morrisey said at Thursday’s news conference.”I think she’s done an outstanding job and that warrants her a reappointment.”
The Morrisey administration will be the third for Ruby. She began in the Tomblin administration in the Department of Commerce and then former governor, now U.S. senator, Jim Justice put her in charge of tourism.
Tourism has experienced significant growth in the past eight years including national recognition.
Morrisey has opted to make a change in the Department of Transportation with the appointment of Stephen Todd Rumbaugh as Secretary of Transportation and Commissioner of Highways.
Morrisey said Rumbaugh, a 30-year veteran with the department, will do well in his new role.
“I have great faith that Todd is going to be a terrific secretary of transportation,” he said.
Rumbaugh has been in an array of positions with the DOH including Construction Inspector, Designer, Area Supervisor, Staff Engineer, Regional Construction Engineer, Director of Contract Administration and Chief Engineer of Construction.
Rumbaugh replaces former secretary Jimmy Wriston.
Morrisey hinted Thursday about problems in the DOT but he didn’t elaborate.
“There are issues that need to get addressed within the Department of Transportation, that’s why I’m really pleased with the team we have,” Morrisey said. “See, I look at this and I’m very optimistic because while there are big challenges we’re making the decisions and getting personnel, I think can meet the challenges and the demands we have.”
Morrisey’s cabinet appointments will need to be confirmed by the state Senate.