8/27/2010
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Joe Manchin today announced the appointment of Julie Alston as executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO). Alston’s appointment becomes effective Sept. 20, 2010.
“I am very pleased that Julie has accepted this responsibility in the state’s pursuit to improve the quality of life for West Virginians in need. Julie offers a tremendous amount of experience and is passionate about social services, which will enable her to serve the citizens of West Virginia and add even more value to this agency,” said the governor.
Alston currently is the co-CEO of the Roark-Sullivan Lifeway Center in Charleston and has more than 10 years of experience in the social services field, including grant writing and managing grant programs.
“I am sincerely honored to have this opportunity,” said Alston. “I look forward to working with the governor and with a group of people that share the same beliefs and have the same commitment that I do to helping the citizens of West Virginia.”
Alston will replace the acting director, Kelly C. Davis, who has been in the position since January. “Kelley has done a wonderful job for the OEO and I’m very proud of her leadership and commitment to the organization,” said Manchin. “But she made it clear from the start that she was only interested in filling the void until a replacement could be found.”
Davis will return to her previous position within the OEO as deputy director and program manager.
The OEO works to improve living standards for low-income West Virginians by addressing both the symptoms and causes and by supporting community-based programs that help individuals, families and communities strive for higher levels of self-sufficiency.
Alston resides in Charleston, W.Va., with her husband and children.
Contact Information
Jama L. Jarrett
304-558-2000