CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – In a press conference Thursday morning, Governor-elect Patrick Morrisey announced his first-round of cabinet picks for his administration.
The announcement marks the first key step in shaping the leadership of his incoming administration.
The appointments include some familiar names in key roles across the executive team and cabinet.
Today’s picks seem to reflect a focus on infrastructure, policy, and state operations.
Executive Team Highlights
- Tom McCaffery, Chief of Staff: McCaffery brings over 30 years of executive experience in state and federal government, corporate, and policy spaces. He served as Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs at the Department of Defense under President Trump and most recently worked as a principal at Health Management Associates. McCaffery holds degrees from the University of Notre Dame and the University of California, Berkeley, and was a Rotary International Scholar at Trinity College Dublin.
- Douglas P. Buffington II, Senior Advisor: Buffington previously served as Chief Deputy Attorney General under Morrisey, overseeing the office’s operations. He also held leadership roles with the West Virginia Lottery and Department of Revenue. A graduate of Baylor University and the University of Kentucky College of Law, Buffington lives in Raleigh County with his wife.
- A. Todd Johnston, Deputy Chief of Staff and Chair of the Energy, Infrastructure, and Competitiveness Council: Johnston, a seasoned leader in energy and regulatory issues, has held roles in government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors, including as Staff Director for the U.S. House Subcommittees on Energy & Environment. He graduated from Hampden-Sydney College with a degree in political science.
- Sean M. Whelan, General Counsel: Whelan most recently served as a Deputy Attorney General overseeing the Tax & Revenue Division. He has extensive experience representing state officials and agencies in state and federal courts. Whelan is a graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Law and Franciscan University.
- Curtis R. A. Capehart, Director of Policy: Capehart, a Deputy Attorney General under Morrisey, handled complex litigation and defended key state legislation. He holds degrees from Marshall University and the University of Michigan Law School.
- Marissa Findlay, Director of Operations: A veteran Republican operative, Findlay has worked with numerous presidential and statewide campaigns. She currently serves as President of the West Virginia Federation of Republican Women.
- John L. Findlay, Director of Intergovernmental and Political Affairs: Findlay most recently worked as Convention Delegate Selection Director for Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. He has managed Republican campaigns and served as Executive Director for both the Virginia and West Virginia Republican Parties.
- Mike McKown, Director of Budget: McKown served as West Virginia’s State Budget Director from 2006 to 2018 and has worked under the last three governors to develop budgets.
- Crescent Gallagher, Press Secretary: Gallagher has over a decade of experience in communications and policy development, including roles with Americans for Prosperity and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
- Katie Franklin, Deputy General Counsel: Franklin is a former assistant prosecutor and elected prosecutor in Jackson County. She has been an Assistant Attorney General since 2021.
Cabinet Appointments
- Senator Eric Nelson, Secretary of Revenue: A longtime legislator and small business owner, Nelson brings financial expertise and leadership experience to his role.
- The Honorable Eric Householder, Secretary of Administration: Householder, a former House Majority Leader, led initiatives on tax cuts, labor reform, and state budgets.
- Alex Mayer, Secretary of Human Services: Mayer, a military veteran, has held leadership roles in health and human services across multiple state agencies.
- Harold Ward, Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection: Ward will continue leading the department after serving in the Justice administration.
- The Honorable Dianna Graves, Commissioner of the Bureau of Senior Services: Graves, a former delegate, brings experience in nonprofit leadership and financial management.
Morrisey highlighted the shared goal of his team to advance the state’s interests.
“I am grateful to each of these leaders for their willingness and desire to bring opportunity and prosperity to the Mountain State,” Morrisey said.
“We are united in our mission of promoting and protecting the freedoms and rights of every West Virginian. When we work together, West Virginia wins.”
Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks.
