Governor Plans For Transition As Senior Staff Members Prepare To Leave Administration 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Joe Manchin today announced the forthcoming departure of members of his senior staff. The governor has reassigned duties among other staff to ensure a smooth transition in anticipation of the impending departure of General Counsel Carte Goodwin and the upcoming departure of former director of communications and current Director of Policy Lara Ramsburg, which will occur by the end of this fiscal year, June 30.

“I truly appreciate the efforts of Carte and Lara during these past four years as our team has worked hard to build a better West Virginia,” Manchin said. “Carte and Lara committed to serve for my entire first term -- in Lara’s case, for my term as Secretary of State, as well -- and their service has greatly benefited the people of our state.

“Given the demands and pressures of their positions, it is rare for talented people like them to remain in public service as long as they have. I cannot thank th em enough for their commitment.”
Goodwin said it has been a great privilege to work for Gov. Manchin. “It is with a deep sense of gratitude that I leave public service,” Goodwin said. “Although I’m looking forward to returning to the practice of law and tackling new challenges in the near future, I’m also pleased to be able to do my part to ensure a seamless transition as the governor begins four more years of important work.” 

Manchin said Goodwin has been a “true counselor and an extremely close friend and his contributions to the administration have been immeasurable.” As part of the transition, Jonathan Deem, current deputy general counsel to the governor, will become general counsel.Ramsburg, who became director of policy in mid-January as part of this transition, said, “I will never be able to fully express what the past four years have meant to me, or what the past eight years working alongside Gov. Manchin have taught me about what can be accomplished when everyone works together. I wouldn’t trade these experiences for anything, and I can’t thank him enough for the opportunity to be a part of something so special.”

Ramsburg said she is dedicated to seeing the governor achieve another successful legislative session before she determines the next step in her career. “In these challenging times his commitment to running a responsible government is more important than ever.”

Manchin said Ramsburg has been an invaluable adviser and that she has done an exemplary job of communicating with the state’s citizens and media. “She is someone that I greatly respect, that I have total confidence in and alway s will. Lara is a very dear part of my extended family and I wish her the best in her next phase of life and the same success that she has helped us to achieve.”

Deputy Chief of Staff Joe Martin previously announced his intentions to return to private sector employment. He will retire from state government Jan. 31 after more than 30 years of service. The governor has not named Martin’s replacement. 

 “All three of these staff members have been outstanding and I personally owe each of them a debt of gratitude,” Manchin said. “They have been a tremendous part of our staff and I wish them all the best.”
As a result of these coming changes, other senior staff members within the Governor’s Office will expand their duties as necessary. Earlier this month, Matt Turner assumed Ramsburg’s role as director of communications.

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