CHARLESTON, WV - Governor Patrick Morrisey today announced the appointment of additional cabinet secretaries and key staff. Today’s announcement included the appointment of U.S. Army General James (Jim) Seward, a decorated military veteran with extensive military, government and private sector experience, as West Virginia’s new Adjutant General. During today’s news conference, the governor also announced his intent to merge the Department of Homeland Security with the Adjutant General’s office.
Today’s appointments include:
Adjutant General James “Jim” D. Seward
Secretary of Veteran’s Assistance Edward “Ryan” Kennedy
Superintendent of State Police James L. Mitchell
Today’s staff hires include:
Scheduler to the Governor, Amanda Fellure
Special Assistant to the Governor, Chris Stavrulakis
Administrative Assistants, Angela Freyburg and Danna Price
Full bios can be found below.
“I’m very excited to announce three new Cabinet Secretaries who will bring vigor and energy to our administration. I can say that our Cabinet will wake up every day focusing on ways to improve West Virginia and serve our citizens,” said Governor Morrisey. “The hires we’ve made in the Governor’s office bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that will help us run an effective and efficient administration.”
Adjutant General James “Jim” D. Seward:
Jim Seward is a brigadier general in the National Guard who served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and on the border in Germany. A recipient of the Bronze Star and other military honors, Seward also served as an enlisted combat arms soldier in the U.S. Army. Seward served as director of the Veterans Justice Commission, which was launched in 2022 by the Council on Criminal Justice, a nonpartisan think tank and invitational membership organization. Earlier in his career, Seward held multiple roles in South Dakota state government. From 2010 to 2016, he served as General Counsel to Governor Dennis Daugaard, managing more than 8,000 employees, supervising the state’s Department of Corrections, and leading government affairs at all levels. Seward is also a former elected district attorney (Butte County, SD) and member of South Dakota’s Law Enforcement Standards and Training Commission. His business sector experience includes serving as vice president of an energy company and representing clients in complex litigation in state and federal court.
Secretary of Veteran’s Assistance Edward “Ryan” Kennedy: Edward “Ryan” Kennedy is a veteran of the United States Army, where he served as a Chemical Officer. Mr. Kennedy has practiced law for about 20 years, including 13 years with Robinson & McElwee PLLC in its Clarksburg office. Since the end of his military service, Mr. Kennedy has spent countless hours helping his fellow veterans through a variety of charitable endeavors and service projects. He is a native of Clarksburg, West Virginia where he lives with his wife Laura and four children. Mr. Kennedy attended West Virginia University where he received both an undergraduate degree in political science and a law degree.
Superintendent of State Police James L. Mitchell: James Mitchell is a dedicated law enforcement professional with over 32 years of leadership experience. He began with the State Police in 2000, working his way up from State Trooper First Class to the rank of Major. He has been Chief of Staff for the State Police since 2023. James also serves his community as the Senior Pastor of Present Grace Baptist Church Fayetteville.
Scheduler to the Governor Amanda Fellure: Amanda Fellure joins the Governor’s office with more than 20 years of communications, marketing and government relations experience. Most recently, she was at West Virginia State University for nearly 8 years as the Executive Communications Liaison to the President. Prior to that, she worked at WOWK and interned at CNN in Washington, DC and the Illinois State Treasurer's Office. She is a Marshall graduate with a degree in broadcast journalism. Amanda resides in Hurricane with her two children.
Special Assistant to the Governor Chris Stavrulakis: Chris Stavrulakis is a born and raised West Virginian whose parents came to the United States in the early 1990’s. Chris attended WVU earning a bachelors in political science graduating in May 2023 and is now working on his masters degree in Economics. Previously serving on Governor Morrisey’s campaign for over a year, Chris learned first hand about Governor Morrisey's plan to make WV that shining state in the mountains. After finishing the campaign Chris went on to help out on the inauguration team and later joined the Governor's office as the special assistant to Governor Morrisey.
Administrative Assistant Angela Freyburg: Before joining the Governor’s office, Angela served as the formal receptionist for the WV Attorney General's office. She possesses years of experience in public service and contributes to her community as a board member of the Library.
Administrative Assistant Danna Price: With years of experience as a receptionist in the State of WV Governor's Office, Danna has developed a strong background in public service. Her experience in state government has allowed her to promote the state's many attractions. Previously, Danna owned a photography business with her husband and now spends her free time with her grandchildren.