CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — The West Virginia Gaming and Racing Association (WVGRA) today announced its selection of Thomm Partners to provide executive leadership and government relations services, strengthening the Association’s ability to advocate for West Virginia’s gaming and racing industry and advance the priorities of its members.
As part of the agreement, Julie Thomm, M.S., Managing Member of Thomm Partners, will serve as WVGRA’s Executive Director, overseeing the Association’s day-to-day operations, member engagement and strategic initiatives. Thomm Partners will also provide year-round legislative advocacy, regulatory engagement and strategic government relations counsel.
“Our members operate in a complex and evolving industry, and it is important that WVGRA has experienced leadership and strong representation,” said Jason Pugh, President and General Manager of Mountaineer Casino Resort. “In selecting Thomm Partners, we are bringing together the relationships, experience and strategic perspective needed to strengthen our advocacy and better serve our members. We look forward to working with Julie as Executive Director and with the entire Thomm Partners team.”
Thomm Partners is led by Art and Julie Thomm, whose complementary backgrounds span government relations, political strategy, association leadership, advocacy and strategic communications.
Julie Thomm brings extensive experience leading government relations, public affairs and advocacy initiatives at the state and national levels. Her background includes senior leadership positions in government relations and advocacy communications, association management and strategic counsel on complex legislative, regulatory and public policy issues.
Art Thomm brings decades of experience in government relations, legislative strategy and political affairs, with a longstanding network of relationships among policymakers, business leaders and stakeholders in West Virginia and beyond.
“West Virginia’s gaming and racing industry has an extraordinary impact on our state, supporting jobs, strengthening communities and contributing to our economy,” said Julie Thomm. “We are grateful for the confidence WVGRA has placed in Thomm Partners and look forward to working alongside its members to advance industry priorities, strengthen relationships and tell the story of what gaming and racing truly mean to West Virginia.”
The partnership will provide WVGRA with coordinated executive leadership and government relations support throughout the year, strengthening its ability to engage policymakers, monitor legislative and regulatory developments, and communicate the industry’s contributions to West Virginia.
About the West Virginia Gaming and Racing Association
Founded in 1989, the West Virginia Gaming and Racing Association (WVGRA) represents the state’s four casino and racetrack operators, advocating for an industry that generates more than $1 billion in annual economic impact. WVGRA works to protect industry jobs and investments, advance policies that support long-term sustainability, and highlight the industry’s significant contributions to West Virginia’s economy, communities and essential public services.
About Thomm Partners
Thomm Partners is a West Virginia government relations firm providing legislative advocacy, strategic counsel and integrated public affairs capabilities to businesses, associations and organizations navigating complex policy and regulatory environments.
Advancing priorities. Protecting interests.
