CHARLESTON — West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby will leave her post at the end of July, Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Thursday, setting up an interim leadership change at the agency that markets the Mountain State to visitors.
Ruby, who was elevated to Tourism Secretary in March 2021 after four years as the state’s Tourism Commissioner, has overseen years of growth in visitation and helped coordinate recent statewide events, including Charleston’s America250 festivities this past weekend, according to the governor’s office.
Beginning Aug. 1, Curtis Capehart, Morrisey’s director of policy, will assume the role of Acting Tourism Secretary while the governor’s office conducts a search for a permanent successor. Morrisey said Capehart has worked on tourism matters previously and will manage the agency during the transition.
"I want to thank Chelsea Ruby for her years of leadership of the Department of Tourism and her service to the people of West Virginia,"
Morrisey added that Ruby will assist with the transition as officials identify the next secretary.
What this means for residents and the industry
The change in leadership comes as West Virginia’s tourism sector continues its push to attract more visitors and build on recent momentum. For residents, the immediate impacts are likely to be administrative — continuity of ongoing marketing campaigns, event logistics and agency partnerships will rely on Capehart and senior tourism staff until a new secretary is confirmed.
Tourism operators, local chambers and event planners should expect the Department of Tourism to maintain existing programs and contracts during the interim period, while leadership focuses on an orderly handoff.
- Departure date: End of July 2026
- Acting secretary start: Aug. 1, 2026
- Interim leader: Curtis Capehart, director of policy
Background on Ruby’s tenure
Ruby joined the department as Tourism Commissioner and served in that role for four years before her appointment as secretary in March 2021 by then-Gov. Jim Justice. During her time leading the tourism agency, officials said the state saw increases in visitor activity and hosted large-scale events that highlighted West Virginia’s attractions.
| Item | Date / Detail |
|---|---|
| Named Tourism Secretary | March 2021 |
| Previous role | Tourism Commissioner (4 years) |
| Departure effective | End of July 2026 |
| Acting secretary begins | Aug. 1, 2026 |
The governor praised Ruby’s leadership and said he looks forward to building on the progress the tourism industry has made in showcasing West Virginia to visitors from across the country and abroad.
Officials said Capehart, who Morrisey described as familiar with tourism issues, will steer the department until the administration names a permanent successor.
— Colton McRae, West Virginia Correspondent
