Kessinger named West Virginia Tourism Secretary

Gov. Patrick Morrisey has appointed former state legislator Kayla Kessinger as West Virginia’s new Tourism Secretary. The southern West Virginia native will lead the department as tourism continues its record growth.

Kessinger named West Virginia Tourism Secretary

WVOW News

CHARLESTON Governor Patrick Morrisey has appointed former state legislator Kayla Kessinger as Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Tourism.

Kessinger, a southern West Virginia native, served four terms in the House of Delegates after being elected in 2014 at age 21. She later served as Assistant Majority Leader.

She takes over as West Virginia tourism continues to see record growth. The department generated a record $9.1 billion in economic impact last year and supported nearly 61,000 jobs.

Kessinger says she plans to build on that success and continue telling West Virginia's story to visitors around the country and the world. The appointment requires West Virginia Senate confirmation.