LEWISBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) — West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey appointed Charleston resident Raymond “Ray” Joseph to the Board of Governors of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) late last year, even as a civil lawsuit involving Joseph remains pending in Kanawha County Circuit Court.
According to an announcement published on WVSOM’s website, Joseph’s term on the Board of Governors began Oct. 14, replacing former board member Sharon Hall, whose term expired June 30. The WVSOM Board of Governors consists of nine lay members appointed by the governor, along with three non-voting advisory representatives from the institution’s faculty, staff, and student body.
Joseph has served as chief executive officer of the West Virginia Association of Realtors since 2002. His professional background includes work as a mediator, instructor certification through the National Association of Realtors, and service on multiple boards and statewide organizations focused on housing, economic development, and public policy.
Pending litigation in Kanawha County
Public court filings in the Kanawha County Circuit Clerk’s Office show that Joseph is a defendant in a civil action arising out of his employment as chief executive officer of the West Virginia Association of Realtors. According to the complaint, the lawsuit alleges that the plaintiff was subjected to unwelcome sexual conduct and sexually inappropriate behavior in the workplace, creating a hostile work environment.
The complaint further alleges that after the plaintiff reported the alleged conduct, the plaintiff experienced retaliation, including adverse employment actions that ultimately resulted in termination. The lawsuit asserts claims under West Virginia law related to sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination, and seeks monetary damages and other relief.
Joseph has denied the allegations through counsel. The court has not made any findings regarding the merits of the claims.
Court records reflect that in October 2025, the circuit court entered an order referring the case to mediation. As of the most recent docket entries, the case has not been dismissed or resolved and remains pending before the court. Several motions in the case remain outstanding as of the time of publication.
Lootpress reviewed the docket and confirmed the matter remains active. Lootpress also attempted to contact the plaintiff’s attorney to determine whether the court-ordered mediation has occurred or concluded; however, that inquiry had not been returned as of the time of publication. Under West Virginia law, mediation proceedings are confidential, and any resolution may not become public unless reflected in subsequent court filings.
Neither the governor’s office nor WVSOM addressed the pending litigation in the appointment announcement.
Public appointment amid unresolved claims
Appointments to the WVSOM Board of Governors carry significant responsibility, as the board oversees governance and policy decisions affecting one of West Virginia’s primary medical education institutions. While the civil lawsuit remains unresolved, no judicial determination of liability or wrongdoing has been made.
Lootpress will continue to monitor the case and report on any material developments reflected in court records.
