Chelsea Ruby, who has served as the state’s tourism secretary since 2021, will leave her position at the end of July. Ruby speaks during an America 250 press conference at the West Virginia Capitol in Charleston, West Virginia, June 29, 2026. (Photo courtesy of West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey)
West Virginia Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby, who has worked under three different administrations, will leave her job at the end of July, according to a news release from Gov. Patrick Morrisey on Thursday.
Ruby has served as tourism secretary since 2021, when she was appointed to lead the department by former Gov. Jim Justice after serving as tourism commissioner for four years. Curtis Capehart, who works as policy director at Morrisey, will serve as acting tourism minister from August 1. Ruby will remain on board to lend a hand with the transition within the office, according to the press release.
“I thank Chelsea for her accomplishments and appreciate her support as we transition to new leadership of the department,” Morrisey said in his press release. “I look forward to building on the momentum of our tourism industry, showcasing West Virginia to visitors from across the country and around the world. We live in the most beautiful state in America and will continue to tell our story around the world.”
Ruby started in the state under Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, working on his communications team. She later became director of marketing and communications for the West Virginia Department of Commerce, also under Tomblin. When Justice was elected in 2016, he appointed her as commissioner of the state’s tourism department and in 2021, Justice appointed her as tourism minister. She remained in that position when Morrisey was elected governor in 2024.
As secretary, Ruby oversaw several changes within the tourism department as well as numerous projects. In 2025, with budget cuts looming because of Morrisey’s promise to stop “wasteful” government spending, the Legislature approved Abolition of the formerly independent state Ministry of Arts, Culture and History and push under the Department of Tourism. Ruby oversaw the merger of the two departments.
Most recently, Ruby headed the state administration America 250 celebration on the Capitol grounds. Morrisey said he was “grateful” for their work on the event, which included several concerts, a mega Ferris wheel and more for residents over the Fourth of July weekend.
Morrisey also named two new House members to the WV First Foundation board of directors
In addition to announcing Ruby’s departure from the tourism department, Morrisey announced Thursday that Aaron Holley is replacing former Del. Rep. Daniel Linville, R-Cabell, in the state House of Representatives.
Linville — who has served in the House since Justice appointed him to a seat in 2018 — resigned from the body in 2018 End of June after losing the primary to Holley in May. Linville gave up accept an appointment as Morrisey’s new “Director of Special Projects”.
Holley defeated Linville in the May primary by just three votes, 650 to Linville’s total of 647. The race was too close to be called on election night. There is no Democrat running for the 22nd District seat in the November general election.
In his opinion websiteHolley is a long-time employee of CSX Corporation, a railroad company. On his campaign page, he lists three focus areas: expanding employment and business opportunities, supporting youth sports and expanding educational opportunities for tradespeople.
Holley initially challenged Linville for his House seat in the 2024 primary, but lost by 46 votes. There was no Democratic candidate for the seat this year either.
At the First Foundation, Morrisey appointed two members to the board that oversees the operations of the private nonprofit, which was created by lawmakers several years ago to distribute the state’s share of opioid harm funds.
Nick Fantasia of Marion County has been appointed to the board for an expiring term ending June 30, 2029. Morrisey said Fantasia brings “extensive experience in substance abuse treatment, mental health and health policy” to the First Foundation board.
Fantasia previously served as mayor of Fairmont for a decade and served separately on the Fairmont City Council for five terms. He currently runs a residential rental and development business and has held seats on numerous boards. Him too currently works as a secretary on the board of the state’s Parkways Authority.
Morrisey appointed Rebecca Miller of Hampshire County to fill the First Foundation board position previously vacated by Matthew Harvey in October. Miller will remain in office until the end of the board term on June 30, 2027.
Harvey resigned from the board last year a. accept nomination appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia. Harvey was confirmed by Congress and sworn into office in October 2025.
Miller, a republicancurrently serves as the prosecutor for Hampshire County. Morrisey said she brings “experience in law enforcement, drug treatment and mental health” to the First Foundation board.
“Nick and Rebecca bring valuable experience that will strengthen the important work of the West Virginia First Foundation,” said Morrisey. “Her background in behavioral health, recovery and public safety will help ensure opioid arbitration funds are invested wisely to support West Virginians and communities affected by substance use disorders.”
