Governor Appoints Ryan Palmer to Public Service Commission Post 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Gov. Joe Manchin today announced his appointment of Ryan B. Palmer, of Kanawha County, to serve as commissioner of the three-member West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) regulatory panel. Palmer succeeds Ed Staats, who completed his term at the commission June of last year, however, agreed to continue to serve until the governor selected a replacement. Palmer will start his term July 1, 2010. 

Palmer has served as deputy general counsel to the governor since 2008. As a member of the governor’s legal staff, his responsibilities include: drafting legislation, advising the governor on pending legislation, serving as the governor’s designee on various boards and commissions, and researching a wide variety of legal issues.

Prior to joining the governor’s legal counsel, Palmer spent five years in Washington, D.C. as an attorney for the United States International Trade Commission (USITC). Palmer also worked for the United States District Court, Northern District of West Virginia, as a law clerk for Judge Craig Broadwater.  From these experiences, Palmer gained a broad base of knowledge relating to industry practices and consumer issues. 

“I want to thank Ed for his many years of public service and diligent work at the PSC.  Ed graciously continued to serve as commissioner while I underwent the process of selecting an individual I felt would be most capable of moving the PSC forward,” said the governor. 

Manchin noted that finding a replacement for Staats was not easy, but that Palmer brings new energy to the commission and is an excellent choice. “As a young family man, Ryan truly understands the struggles that West Virginia families face every day,” the governor said. “Ryan has truly been a great contributor to my legal team. He is an extremely hard worker and sound decision-maker. I am truly pleased that he has accepted this appointment. I am confident that he will bring a new dynamic to the Public Service Commission’s regulatory panel.”

Palmer received a bachelor’s degree in English from West Virginia University and a doctor of jurisprudence from WVU’s College of Law.

“I appreciate the governor’s confidence and I am eager to serve the citizens of our state in this new capacity,” Palmer said.

The Public Service Commission supervises and regulates the rates, services, operations and most other activities of all public utilities and many common and contract motor carriers passengers and property within West Virginia.

The commission comprises three members, appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Commissioners serve six-year staggered terms, with one term expiring July 1 of each odd numbered year. The current PSC regulatory members are Chairman Mike Albert and Commissioner Jon McKinney.  Palmer will join the panel as the third member.

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