CHARLESTON, WV – Marie L. Prezioso of Charleston has been appointed as executive director of the West Virginia Water Development Authority by Governor Jim Justice. Her appointment became effective today, July 27, 2017, following the retirement of former executive director Chris Jarrett.

“I am pleased that Marie Prezioso has agreed to serve the citizens of West Virginia in this position,” said Gov. Justice. “She has more than three decades of professional experience in public finance, investments and banking and is very familiar with the issues facing the Water Development Authority.”

Prezioso has worked on billions of dollars in bond issues for the State of West Virginia and its authorities including the Water Development Authority, Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council, Economic Development Authority, School Building Authority, Higher Education Policy Commission, Department of Transportation and numerous West Virginia colleges and universities. Most recently she was senior vice president and manager of the West Virginia public finance office for Piper Jaffary & Co. She retired from that position in 2016.

“I am honored that Governor Justice has appointed me to lead the Water Development Authority,” Prezioso said. “I look forward to serving the state and building upon the successes and strengths of the Authority.”

Also on Thursday, Gary Sutphin of Beckley was appointed to the Water Development Authority Board by Gov. Justice to fill the vacancy created by Prezioso’s appointment.

Sutphin, who spent more than 15 years in private industry as a business manager and controller, retired as recorder/treasurer from the City of Beckley in 2013 after serving in that position for 24 years.

“Gary Sutphin brings a strong background in finance to the Water Development Authority board and I am confident that his many years of professional expertise will greatly assist the board in its work,” said Gov. Justice.

“I am humbled that Gov. Justice has asked me to serve on the board and I’m glad to again work for the citizens of West Virginia as a public servant,” said Sutphin.
 
The West Virginia Water Development Authority (WDA) serves as a revenue bond bank that provides financing for construction of wastewater and water facilities to various local government agencies. The WDA’s mission is to provide West Virginia communities with financial assistance for development of wastewater, water and economic infrastructure as well as protecting streams and public health, improving quality of drinking water and encouraging economic growth.