Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced that Carl Ayers, a veteran human services administrator with nearly 30 years of leadership experience, is starting as secretary of the West Virginia Department of Human Services.
“West Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens deserve a Department of Human Services that is effective, accountable, and focused on results,” Morrisey said in today’s announcement.
“Carl Ayers has spent his career improving services for children and families, strengthening accountability and making government work better. I am confident he will build on our efforts to modernize the department while ensuring critical services are delivered efficiently, effectively and with compassion.”
Ayers is assuming the position previously held by Alex Mayer, who left as secretary for human services in March. Mayer had served just over a year and was appointed in February 2025.
During his tenure, Mayer focused heavily on overhauling the state’s foster care system, trying to improve processes within the agency and managing federal Medicaid changes. Following his departure, Deputy Secretary Christina Mullins was appointed by the governor to serve as acting secretary of the Department of Human Services.
Ayers most recently served as principal deputy commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services, where he helped oversee an agency with a budget exceeding $2.5 billion and more than 1,700 employees.
Previously, he served as Virginia’s deputy commissioner of Human Services, overseeing child welfare, Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, child care and other major public assistance programs.
Ayers has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Radford University and currently serves as chairman of the Child Welfare League of America.
Senate Health Chairman Brian Helton said he appreciates the governor’s commitment to putting together a strong team.
“Secretary Ayers certainly has the qualifications and experience, and I look forward to working with him in my role as chairman of the Senate Health and Human Resources Committee,” said Helton, R-Raleigh.
“Human Services plays a critical role in the lives of many West Virginians, and I’m looking forward to working with Secretary Ayers to improve outcomes, strengthen accountability and better serve the people of our state.
Delegate Evan Worrell, chairman of the House Health and Human Resources Committee, congratulated Ayers on his appointment and said he looks forward to working collaboratively.
“There are significant challenges and opportunities facing our human services system, and I believe the Legislature and the Department can work together to improve efficiency, strengthen accountability and ensure families receive the services they need,” said Worrell, R-Cabell.
There are plenty of issues to focus on.
West Virginia’s child welfare dashboard shows that 5,890 children have been placed outside their homes.
The governor has described a financial review of state spending on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, which led to a delay in annual clothing vouchers for school children. That review is ongoing.
The Morrisey administration offered a reminder that as Ayers begins his first day leading the department, eligible West Virginia families can also begin applying for the annual School Clothing Allowance program.
The benefit helps qualifying families offset the cost of back-to-school clothing for eligible school-aged children. Families may apply through their local DoHS office or online.
“As an organization focused on strengthening families and helping children thrive, we are very pleased that someone with the depth of experience and commitment to children and families has been appointed as Secretary of Department of Human Services,” said Jim McKay, state coordinator for Prevent Child Abuse West Virginia.
“Secretary Ayers recently received the prestigious Human Services Impact award from APHSA which noted his accomplishments establishing sustainable financial and service supports for families and reducing reliance on foster care. Those are the same challenges facing our state, and we look forward to partnering with Secretary Ayers on tackling these challenges here.”