Photo Courtesy/WV Legislative Photography State Senate President Randy Smith announced Tuesday that state Sen. Robbie Morris, above center, will chair the Senate Government Organization Committee.

CHARLESTON — State Sen. Robbie Morris, an experienced economic development official, will become the new chairman of the Senate Government Organization Committee after its previous chair was promoted.

According to a press release from state Senate President Randy Smith, R-Preston, on Tuesday morning, Morris, R-Randolph, will take the reins of the Senate Government Organization Committee, succeeding newly appointed Senate Assistant Majority Leader Patrica Rucker, R-Jefferson.

“I am deeply honored and grateful to Senate President Randy Smith for appointing me as Chairman of the Committee on Government Organization and for trusting me to continue the great work of our previous Chairman, Senator Rucker,” Morris said.

The Government Organization committees in the Senate and House of Delegates recommend legislation affecting state and county governments, as well as the function of state departments and agencies.

“I am thrilled to have Senator Morris stepping into this new role,” Smith said. “This committee plays a vital role in overseeing state agency operations, reviewing regulatory matters, and pursuing reforms to make government more efficient, accountable, and responsive to the needs of West Virginians. I look forward to the great work that Senator Morris will accomplish as Chairman.”

“In this position, I am committed to advancing policies that streamline government functions, eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy, reduce wasteful spending, and ensure our state agencies deliver high-quality services to our citizens,” Morris said. “We will work diligently to support economic growth, protect taxpayers, and promote good governance that puts West Virginians first.”

Morris is a freshman state senator from Elkins, first elected in 2024. During his first year in office, Morris served as the vice chairman of the Senate’s Banking and Insurance and Economic Development committees, as well as a member of the Senate’s Education, Finance, Natural Resources, and Transportation and Infrastructure committees.

Morris is the executive director of the Randolph County Development Authority and the West Virginia Wood Technology Center, as well as member of the board of directors for Citizens Bank of West Virginia and president of Elkins Business Consultants, Inc. Morris was previously the executive director of the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce.

Morris is a member of the West Virginia Broadband Enhancement Council and was the council’s previous chairman. He is the chairman of Leadership West Virginia and has affiliations with the Corridor H Highway Authority, the West Virginia Hardwood Alliance Zone, the West Virginia Economic Development Council, and the Southern Economic Development Council.

“I look forward to collaborating with my fellow committee members, Senate colleagues, and stakeholders across the state as we tackle these important issues in the upcoming session,” Morris said. “Together, we can build a stronger, more efficient and effective government.” 

Smith announced Monday that Rucker will now serve in the new role of assistant majority leader, working with Senate Majority Leader Patrick Martin, R-Lewis. Rucker was appointed as Senate Government Organization chairwoman by Smith last year after Smith won election as senate president. Rucker will also chair a new Senate School Choice Committee. She previously served as chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Alternative Educational Opportunities.