Former WV Delegate Appointed as Cabinet Secretary

Former West Virginia House of Delegates member Kessinger has been appointed as the state’s new tourism secretary, according to verified state reporting. The appointment from Fayette County marks the transition of the former legislator into a prominent cabinet-level role overseeing tourism development.

State records confirm that the former delegate will step into the cabinet position, making Kessinger the second cabinet secretary drawn from legislative ranks in recent transitions. The selection places a familiar political figure at the helm of an agency tasked with promoting West Virginia’s parks, outdoor recreation, and visitor economy.

Cabinet Transition and Legislative Background

Kessinger previously represented Fayette County in the West Virginia House of Delegates, where state policy and local governance formed the core of the legislative tenure. Moving from the legislative branch to the executive cabinet shifts Kessinger’s focus directly toward administrative oversight of state tourism initiatives.

The tourism department manages marketing campaigns, state park promotions, and economic development strategies tied to incoming travelers. Officials have not yet detailed the immediate policy agenda for the incoming secretary, but the appointment places legislative experience directly inside the executive branch.