photo by: W.Va. Legislative Photography

Governor-elect Patrick Morrisey, left, meets with state Senate President-elect Randy Smith, center, and House Speaker Roger Hanshaw during legislative interims meetings earlier this month.

CHARLESTON — As the state changes over to 2025 in just over two weeks, Governor-Elect Patrick Morrisey said he will announce changes in state department and agency leadership after the New Year.

In a press release Monday morning, Morrisey said his transition team will announce new administration personnel on Thursday, Jan. 2, as well as additional inauguration activities when Morrisey is formally sworn in on Jan. 13.

“The new year will mean new opportunities for our shining state in the mountains,” Morrisey said. “After the holidays, I look forward to sharing significant personnel news and exciting announcements about Inauguration Day festivities.”

A week after winning the November general election for governor, Morrisey announced the creation of the West Virginia Prosperity Group, a 501(c)(4) that is handling all transition matters. The West Virginia Prosperity Group has seven volunteer co-chairs, as well as two consultants advising Morrisey on cabinet appointments, agency appointments, and other positions.

Co-chairs are outgoing House Majority Leader Eric Householder, R-Berkeley; Chief Deputy Attorney General Douglas Buffington II; former U.S. Department of Energy assistant secretary Karen Evans; Raleigh County Republican Executive Committee Chairwoman Julie Kominsky; former West Virginia Coal Association chairman James Laurita Jr.; former West Virginia Republican Party chairman Conrad Lucas; and Citynet President and CEO James Martin II.

Morrisey and his transition team have been in conversations with Gov. Jim Justice, who is wrapping up his second and final term as the state’s chief executive as he prepares to take office next year as a U.S. senator. Morrisey also recently met with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, and Senate President-Elect Randy Smith, as his transition team works on potential legislation for the incoming Legislature to consider when it gavels in for the 2025 regular session on Wednesday, Feb. 12.

“The Legislature is eager to get to work with Governor-elect Morrisey and the team he is assembling,” Hanshaw said in a Dec. 11 press release. “We share the goal of creating opportunities for all West Virginians and as we continue to meet in the months ahead, we’ll continue to work toward the united mission of moving our state forward together.”

“The energy and excitement about the future of our state has never been greater,” said Smith. “I’m thankful for Governor-elect Morrisey’s vision for our state, and I look forward to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the governor to improve the lives of West Virginians.”

Morrisey also said to stay tuned on Jan. 2 for additional details and event announcements for his inauguration. Last week, the Morrisey team announced the creation of the West Virginia Wins Inaugural Committee, a 501(c)(4) committee that is raising money and planning inaugural events.

Inauguration Day events include free and paid events. Free events include a faith-based breakfast at 9 a.m. (location to be announced); swearing-in ceremonies at 11 a.m. at the State Capitol Building; multiple locations for coffee, cocoa, and cookies at 12:30 p.m.; an inaugural parade; and exhibits at the West Virginia Culture Center.

Paid events include a Celebration of West Virginia concert, an inaugural dinner and inaugural ball. All events are at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center and three events are part of a $100 ticket. Those wishing to attend free events or purchase tickets to paid events can go to wvwins.com.

The Morrisey transition team continues to solicit resumes and ideas for legislation and reforms at its website, wvprosperitygroup.com. More than 600 resumes and 500 ideas had been submitted as of Dec. 5.

“As we gather together this Christmas season, we have so much to be grateful for as Americans,” Morrisey said. “As West Virginians, we can look forward to 2025 with optimism because of our endless potential. From my family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a blessed holiday season.”