CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A man regarded as a giant in healthcare policy in West Virginia is being fondly remembered by those who knew and worked with him. John Law, who served for many years as the spokesman for the state Department of Health and Human Resources and most recently as Executive Director of the West Virginia Medical Association died this week at 68.
“In his quiet way, he was able to steer a lot of moving parts in one direction, to support healthcare for West Virginians and support the physicians who provide that healthcare,” said Alex Macia legal counsel for the Medical Association.
Macia’s relationship with Law went all the way back to 1993 when Macia first moved to Charleston and met Law. Macia then served in the cabinet of former Governor Bob Wise while Law served under former DHHR Cabinet Secretary Paul Nussbaum in the same administration.
“He helped guide their policies, communications, and outreach. John was always a good source of solid, quiet advice on healthcare and health policy in West Virginia. I know that Secretary Nusbaum certainly leaned on him heavily and thought greatly of him and his advice,” Macia added.
Law started his career as a reporter with the Fayette Tribune in his native Oak Hill. He came to Charleston and became interested in politics, quickly taking a job with the West Virginia Bankers Association. Eventually he moved into a similar job with the West Virginia Medical Association. Although his background was in Political Science and not healthcare, his career would weld the two subjects into one. He eventually took a job with the DHHR and helped shape policy, worked with lawmakers, and handled their relationship with the press. His career also included lobbying work with the West Virginia Nurses Association and eventually the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department. He returned to the West Virginia Medical Association as Executive Director. He held the position at his death.
“I think he was the smartest person I ever met. He had a real quick wit which could sometimes be biting, but in the best way,” said longtime friend and colleague Jeff Johnson.
Johnson said Law had a strong sense of the various factions at the capitol and an innate ability to get all of them moving in the same direction to benefit the state, even sometimes when they didn’t want to be.
“He was very effective at navigating the often-rough waters of the Legislature,” added Johnson. “He was a loyal friend who will really be missed by a lot of people who enjoyed his sense of humor.”
Law died Monday at the Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston following a brief illness. A private memorial service is being planned at a later date. Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home in Charleston is in charge of arrangements.