CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Governor Patrick Morrisey announced he has appointed a number of distinguished leaders to state boards and councils.
West Virginia Optometry Board
Governor Morrisey has appointed Dr. Thomas Moore to the West Virginia Optometry Board. Dr. Moore, a native of Fairmont, West Virginia, graduated from West Virginia University and then earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in 2009. Dr. Moore joined Dunbar Eye Associates in 2010, a practice where he is now the proud owner. He provides comprehensive eye care to the Charleston community and greater West Virginia region. His commitment to the profession was recognized early on when he was named the Young OD of the Year in 2012. Dr. Moore served as president of the West Virginia Association of Optometric Physicians from 2020 to 2021. Dr. Moore continues to honor his West Virginian roots, residing in Charleston with his wife, Kara, and their two daughters. He remains actively engaged in his local community, striving to make a positive impact both inside and outside of his practice.
West Virginia Optometry Board
Governor Morrisey has appointed Dr. Martin Carpenter to the West Virginia Optometry Board. Dr. Carpenter grew up in Belington, where he was a first-generation college student and earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV in 1999 after which he attended Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN where he obtained his doctorate in Optometry from Southern College of Optometry. In 2003, he joined the practices of Dr. Philip Wilmoth in Fairmont, WV and Dr. Robert Powelson in Shinnston and Mannington, WV. In 2004, Dr. Carpenter began working full time at Fairmont Eye Care, Inc. with Dr. Wilmoth, where he is a partner and continues to practice today. Dr. Carpenter has been a member of the West Virginia Association of Optometric Physicians since 2003 and the American Optometric Association since 1999. He has served as president of the WVAOP. He is a staunch advocate for infant eye exams with the Infant See program. In 2019, he was awarded the Dr. W. David Sullins Jr. award for his work with the InfantSee program. In his practice he collaborates with local Lions clubs to offer no or low-cost eye care to patients experiencing financial hardships. He has been honored with the West Virginia Young Optometric Physician of the year and Optometrist of the year award from WVAOP. He often lectures on the latest procedures and technology in eye care to his colleagues and students. He volunteers with a head start health advisory committee in his area to help instill best practices for schools and young children.
When he is not working, Dr. Carpenter enjoys spending time with his children Reese and Emma, hunting, golfing, fishing, and travelling. In addition to running his practice in Fairmont, he also continues to run his family farm and restaurant in Belington, WV.
Marshall University Board of Governors
Governor Morrisey has appointed Vicki Dunn-Dionne to the Marshall University Board of Governors. Vicki Dunn Dionne is a seasoned entrepreneur, real estate developer, and franchise executive with over four decades of experience leading multi-unit operations across the Tri-State region. As a Little Caesars franchise owner since 1983, she has built and managed 32 successful locations while creating hundreds of jobs and mentoring future business leaders. Residing in Barboursville, WV, Vicki has been a lifelong advocate for her community’s economic and educational growth. Beyond her business success, she served as Vice Chairman of the West Virginia Economic Development Authority and holds board positions with the WV Young Presidents’ Organization, Truist Bank, Goodwill Industries, and other civic organizations. She is known for her leadership in philanthropy, founding the Pizza Paws initiative to support police K-9 units and spearheading statewide food donation programs to combat hunger. Her recognitions include 2023 WV Wonder Woman, 2010 WV Who’s Who Entrepreneur of the Year, 16 National Little Caesars Awards for Excellence, and 2006 Rotarian of the Year.
A proud mother of two Marshall University alumni, Vicki has a deep appreciation for the University’s mission and its vital role in shaping future leaders of West Virginia. Her interest in serving on the Marshall University Board of Governors stems from her commitment to advancing workforce development, regional economic growth, and student opportunity. Her expertise in people development, community leadership, and financial oversight make her a valuable addition to any board seeking a pragmatic, purpose-driven business leader who deeply understands both business and community impact.
Marshall University Board of Governors
Governor Morrisey has appointed Charles H. Wendell to the Marshall University Board of Governors. Charlie Wendell, a Certified Public Accountant and CEO of VIM, Inc., has worked with real estate and business development for over 50 years. He has held principal positions in the coal, construction, hotel and real estate industries. He has developed 12 hotels in West Virginia alone and multiple other properties of multiple types in many states totaling over $800,000,000 in real estate projects. Besides hotels, these properties include commercial, industrial and residential properties in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern regions of the United States, and one in Tuscany, Italy. Wendell continues to work with Mountain Shore Properties which develops multiple types of real estate in the eastern and southern United States. Wendell previously served as Chair of the Board of Porter Gaud School in Charleston, SC, as a member of the Marshall University Foundation Board and of the Board of the Gibbes Museum in Charleston, SC. He is currently a member of the Medical University of South Carolina Foundation Board. Wendell graduated cum laude from Marshall University in 1970 with a major in accounting and a minor in economics. He is a member of the Marshall University Business Hall of Fame.
Wendell is a native of Fayetteville, West Virginia and has been married to Kathryn Jacobs Wendell, also of Fayetteville, for 55 years. They have two sons, Dr. R. Preston Wendell and C. Stephen Wendell, an attorney. He and his wife have three grandsons and will welcome a granddaughter in December.
West Virginia Military College Advisory Council
Governor Morrisey has appointed Daniel Caldwell to the West Virginia Military College Advisory Council. Dan Caldwell is a former senior advisor to the U.S. Secretary of War and is currently a fellow at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics. Prior to joining the Department of War, Caldwell served as a member of the Trump-Vance Presidential Transition, focusing on identifying personnel who could fill key national security roles within the incoming administration.
Caldwell has spent over a decade developing and advocating for policies designed to impact veterans’ health care, reduce the national debt and improve American foreign policy. He served as the policy director, senior advisor and executive director of Concerned Veterans for America (CVA). In this capacity, Caldwell played a key role in the passage of the VA MISSION Act and VA Accountability – which fundamentally reformed how the VA delivered health care to America’s veterans and how the VA holds bad employees accountable. He also helped launch the organization’s Ending Endless War campaign, which advocated for an end to the U.S.’s role in the wars in Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq. After nearly ten years at CVA, Caldwell became the Vice President of Foreign Policy Stand Together, during which he oversaw that organization’s foreign policy strategy and nonprofit investment portfolio. While at Stand Together, Caldwell led Stand Together’s response to the war in Ukraine and was a leading voice against further escalation in that war. He also served as a public policy advisor at Defense Priorities and a Vice President at Center for Renewing for America.
Caldwell is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and the Iraq War. Following boot camp and initial training, Caldwell was assigned to the Marine Corps Presidential Support Program, where he served as a member of the security force at the presidential retreat at Camp David. Following his service at Camp David, he deployed to Iraq with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and conducted operations in Al Anbar and Ninawa provinces. Following his service in the Marines, Caldwell worked for Rep. David Schweikert from 2011 to 2013, focusing on veterans and defense issues. Caldwell graduated cum laude from Arizona State in 2011 with degrees in Asian History and Political Science. He has been widely interviewed and published including in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Foreign Affairs, and Washington Post.
West Virginia Military College Advisory Council
Governor Morrisey has appointed Douglas Truax to the West Virginia Military College Advisory Council. Doug Truax is the volunteer, unpaid Founder and CEO of Restoration of America, as well as Voter Reference Foundation, which publishes state voter files on voteref.com. As a business executive, Truax began his insurance career at brokerage Arthur J. Gallagher in Chicago. In 2008, he left Gallagher to start his own firm, Veritas Risk Services. Beginning with no revenue, Veritas became one of the foremost Chicago benefit consulting firms leading to the sale of the firm in 2019. He is currently Founder and CEO of Everlong Captive, the rapidly growing, leading solution for mid-size employers seeking to greatly reduce their healthcare costs and improve the medical plan for their employees and their families.
A 1992 West Point graduate, Truax is passionate about seeing the prestigious institution restored to its former greatness and once again lead the U.S. military, the country and the world. He saw six years active duty in the U.S. Army, completed the nation’s most difficult leadership course, Ranger School, served as a platoon leader and aide to a general, leaving the service honorably as a Captain. Truax also attained the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist designation from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He resides in Florida with his wife of 32 years, Nicole. They have three grown children, one grandson, and another on the way.
West Virginia Military College Advisory Council
Governor Morrisey has appointed Marcus Ruzek to the West Virginia Military College Advisory Council. Marcus Ruzek is the Senior Program Director at The Marcus Foundation where his work focuses on the philanthropic vision of Bernie Marcus, Co-Founder of The Home Depot. Ruzek is a combat veteran who has served as an Army Special Forces Officer (Green Beret) and served in the Army for 13 years. He has worked at The Marcus Foundation for over 11 years supporting its Free Enterprise initiatives, including Military/Veterans support, National Security/Foreign Policy, and Free Market Ideals. The Marcus Foundation is a leader in philanthropy, specifically in the area of military and veterans support. While assigned as an Infantry Officer in 2009, CPT Ruzek deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He later graduated from the rigorous two-year training pipeline at Ft Bragg, NC to serve in the 1st Special Forces Regiment (known as the Army “Green Berets”). CPT Ruzek deployed to northern Iraq in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE in 2015. CPT Ruzek commanded a Special Forces “A Team” which partnered with Kurdish Peshmerga in the fight against Islamic State terrorists (aka: ISIS).
Among Captain Marcus Ruzek’s awards and decorations are three Bronze Star Medals, one for Valorous actions on the battlefield, and two for meritorious service in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Marcus is a graduate of The Wharton School with an MBA, including a double major in Management and Entrepreneurship. Ruzek resides in Monroe, GA with his wife Morgan and three children: Marcus Jr, Boone, and Audrey.
West Virginia Military College Advisory Council
Governor Morrisey has appointed Secretary Ryan Kennedy to the West Virginia Military College Advisory Council. Edward Ryan Kennedy, a disabled U.S. Army Veteran, was appointed by Governor Morrisey to serve as the Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Veterans Assistance in February 2025. On active duty, Kennedy served as a Chemical Corps Officer and was forward deployed to South Korea. There, he was responsible for maintaining the highest degree of training and readiness among his troops against the potential of a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attack from North Korea.
Following his discharge from active duty, Kennedy returned to school and earned a Doctor of Law degree from West Virginia University. For the next twenty years, he worked as a lawyer in several capacities, including criminal litigation, civil litigation, and real estate law. Kennedy’s passion for helping fellow veterans drove him to become accredited as an attorney with the federal VA and represent veterans on claims to the VA pro bono. Community involvement is something that has always been important to Kennedy. In addition to serving on the Clarksburg city council and serving a term as mayor, he served as President of the Harrison County Senior Citizens Center, a Member of the Sacred Heart Children’s Charity, and a Board Member of the Harrison County Historical Society. He is also a past President of the Rotary Club of Clarksburg, the Kiwanis Club of Clarksburg, and the Harrison County YMCA Board of Directors. He served as counsel for his church, where he helped form the church’s nonprofit structure, and has assisted other charitable organizations, both religious and secular, in nonprofit law and corporate compliance. Additionally, Kennedy is an FBI Citizens’ Academy Graduate and past Post Chaplain and Adjutant for the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Clarksburg.
West Virginia Military College Advisory Council
Governor Morrisey has appointed James K. Ruland to the West Virginia Military College Advisory Council. Jim Ruland recently retired as managing partner of RAI Properties, the commercial real estate development company that he helped start in 2003, and which received the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Major Business Award for contributions to the economic development of the area. A Jefferson County resident since 1992, Ruland was elected to the County Commission in 1996. He was also elected to serve as a five-year board member of the state-wide County Commissioners’ Association. From 1986 to 2011, he served as President of the Ruland Associates, Incorporated, or RAI, a professional services company that works in support of the Information Technology objectives of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and other federal agencies. He sold the company that he founded 25 years earlier in 2011.
Prior to coming to West Virginia, Ruland served 22 years in the U.S. Navy, where he spent 11 years at sea, including more than 100 combat patrols as skipper of a 50-ft patrol boat in Viet Nam. Ashore, he served as Special Assistant to the Chief of Naval Personnel for education and training issues. He entered the Navy as a Seaman Recruit and retired from active duty with the rank of Commander. He holds the Meritorious Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V”, the Republic of Viet Nam Gallantry Cross, and twenty-three additional personal, unit and campaign awards.
Ruland is past Chairman of the Eastern Panhandle Business Association, a Political Action Committee that strives to improve the business climate of the Eastern Panhandle. He is a founding member of “Keep Jefferson Beautiful”, an organization that is dedicated to reducing the amount of litter and debris in the county. Ruland also served on the Capital Campaign Committee of the Hospice of the Panhandle, working successfully to raise funds to build the in-patient care facility that is now here in Jefferson County. He holds a master’s degree in Business Administration and an undergraduate degree in Political Science.
West Virginia Military College Advisory Council
Governor Morrisey has appointed Antonin Scalia to the West Virginia Military College Advisory Council. Antonin “Nino” Scalia is a Deployment Strategist at Palantir Technologies and a Senior Advisor at the Claremont Institute. He served in President Trump’s first Administration as speechwriter to the U.S. Secretary of Education and Special Advisor at the U.S. Department of State. Previously, he worked at Princeton University’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. He is a graduate of Rhodes College. Scalia is a married father of three from Northern Virginia whose famous namesake grandfather was Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.
West Virginia Economic Development Authority
Governor Morrisey has appointed Richard Thomas Brown to the West Virginia Economic Development Authority. With over two decades of cross-industry success, R. Thomas Brown is an accomplished business owner, licensed general contractor, and former pharmaceutical specialist. His diverse experience spans healthcare, construction, and commercial real estate. As the Owner and Operator of Outdoor Tranquility, LLC since 2008, Brown has redefined outdoor living through custom-designed spaces, hardscapes, and landscapes that combine artistry with craftsmanship. Supported by an exceptional team, he has built a reputation for delivering projects that inspire and endure. Building on that success, Brown launched Appalachian Pools, LLC in 2020 to bring luxury pool design, installation, and maintenance services to clients across the region. Most recently, he founded East Coast Contractors, LLC in 2025, specializing in commercial construction and development. In his real estate role, Thomas leads site acquisition, project planning, and high-value commercial development in collaboration with investors and municipal partners.
Before establishing his own companies, Brown spent 20 years with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, where he excelled as a Senior Sales Representative. He educated healthcare professionals on innovative medications and treatment protocols, consistently earning recognition for product launches, territory growth, and relationship excellence. A graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne University with a Bachelor of Business Administration (Cum Laude), Brown holds professional licenses in both general contracting and real estate. Beyond his professional achievements, Brown and his wife of 19 years, Kara, are devoted parents to Madison (17) and Tyson (13). He remains deeply committed to his family, faith, and community and is an active member of Morgantown Christian & Missionary Alliance Church.
Professional Charter School Board
Governor Morrisey has appointed Latonia Page to the Professional Charter School Board. Latonia has dedicated over 35 years to public service, with leadership roles in federal, military, and non-profit sectors. She most recently served as a Senior Executive Service member at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, with a special focus on developing, expanding and promoting employment pathways for high school, college, and post-graduate students.
Throughout her career, Page has been dedicated to advancing educational opportunities for all students, from her work at a non-profit to provide equal educational access for students with atypical learning needs, to advancing school choice within her community. Page is also a Steering Committee member for the non-profit FedsForward, dedicated to helping career civil servants translate their expertise across roles in state and local government, the private sector, and academia. A U.S. Air Force Gulf War veteran, Page holds a BA in social work from Texas Tech University and Master of Science from the University of Texas at Austin. With her family, she has proudly called Shepherdstown, WV home since 2008, actively serving in her local church and community.
School Building Authority
Governor Morrisey has appointed Bryan Hoylman to the School Building Authority. Bryan Hoylman serves as President and CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors, Appalachia, where he leads efforts to advance the merit shop construction industry across the region. He is also the Founder and Managing Member of Kimble Birch, LLC, a firm serving clients in the commercial and industrial construction, engineering, education, healthcare, and energy sectors. Hoylman has been deeply involved in civic and industry leadership throughout his career. His previous board experience includes serving as Chair of the West Virginia Virtual Academy and as a member of the ABC National Chapter President’s Council. He currently serves on the Putnam County Planning Commission, the Regional Contractors Assistance Center Board of Directors, and the Putnam County Career & Technical Center Advisory Council. A proud native of West Virginia, Hoylman graduated with honors from West Virginia University with degrees in Political Science and History. He resides in Winfield, West Virginia, with his wife, Amanda, and their three children Cass, Cooper, and Campbell.
West Virginia State University Board of Governors
Governor Morrisey has appointed The Honorable John D. Perdue to the West Virginia State University Board of Governors as a representative in Agriculture. In addition to being West Virginia’s longest-serving state treasurer, Perdue has served a record six terms in statewide office including more than 45 years of service in state government. In addition to being the 24th State Treasurer from 1997 – 2020, Perdue served as the West Virginia State Executive Director for the United States Department of Agriculture, Farm Services Agency from 2021-2025 where he oversaw programs to support farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Some of his many accomplishments for West Virginia include reforming banking functions of the state, creating West Virginia's college savings program, the NetWorth financial education program. Perdue modernized the Treasury Office and set records in the Unclaimed Property Division by returning millions dollars to rightful owners, creating investment programs for people with disabilities, and implementing nationally recognized financial wellness programs for all ages.
Perdue is a 1972 graduate of West Virginia University, holding a degree in Agricultural and Extension Education, and is a native of Boone County, West Virginia. He and his wife, Robin, live in Cross Lanes and have two adult daughters, two granddaughters, and three grand-dogs. His ties to Cross Lanes, Nitro, and Institute run deep as both his children graduated from Nitro High School, and his wife is a graduate of West Virginia State University. Perdue was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from West Virginia State University in 2009. He looks forward to continuing his commitment to education, agriculture, and public service on the Board of Governors at West Virginia State University.