Attorney General Patrick Morrisey this week announced a change in his Office’s communications team. Beth Ryan, who has been the director of communications since February 2013, will be leaving the Attorney General’s office effective May 29 to be a full time mother to her two sons, age 2 and 4.
“Beth has been an impactful member of our team and a dedicated public servant to the people of West Virginia,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “I am grateful for her extraordinary efforts and wish her all the best as she transitions into a new and exciting part of her life. Beth’s sons are fortunate to have such a wonderful mother, and they will be truly blessed to have her undivided attention at such an important time of their lives.”
During her tenure with Attorney General Morrisey, Ryan has been part of a team that has brought substantial change to the Office. These changes include a new outside counsel competitive bidding policy that has saved the state millions of dollars as well as a total upgrade of the Office’s electronic infrastructure so that the office may be managed as a modern law firm. She has also helped to institute a 55-county consumer protection education and outreach strategy that has provided much needed support to those West Virginians most vulnerable to scam artists and identity theft predators.
Ryan said she is appreciative for the experiences she had with the Office and opportunity she now has with her family. “My husband and I have long dreamed about a time when I could stay home with our children on a full-time basis. With our sons getting closer to school age, we thought it would be best to make the change now in order to spend as much time as possible with the boys. I applaud Attorney General Morrisey for all of his efforts to improve the State of West Virginia and the Office of the Attorney General. I thank him for supporting me wholeheartedly in this decision and for providing me with this opportunity.”
Attorney General Morrisey also announced that Jared Hunt will be joining the team June 5 as his press secretary. Hunt, a native of Jackson County and a graduate of West Virginia University, comes to the Attorney General’s Office from the Charleston Daily Mail where he currently serves as the paper’s business editor. Prior to his current duties, Hunt served as the capitol reporter at the Daily Mail and was a reporter for Jackson Newspapers.
“Jared will bring substantial newsroom experience, a tireless work ethic and strong professional integrity to his role on our team,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “He will be a great asset to our communications staff and to the State as we continue our work to make West Virginia a great place to live.”
Hunt will join current communications and outreach staff members Carrie Bowe and Jordan Nuzum.