West Virginia Code Chapter 20. Natural Resources § 20-1-4. Director to be chief executive officer; appointment, term and qualifications; vacancy; removal

The director shall be the chief executive officer of the department. Subject to provisions of law, he shall organize the department into such offices, divisions, agencies and other units of activity as may be found by him necessary and desirable in the orderly, efficient and economical administration of the department for the accomplishment of its objects and purposes.

The director shall be appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, and shall continue to serve until his successor is appointed and qualified as provided. On or before the first day of July, one thousand nine hundred sixty-one, the governor shall appoint the director for a term ending on the thirty-first day of December, one thousand nine hundred sixty-two. Upon the expiration of such term, the governor shall appoint the director for a term of four years commencing on the first day of January, one thousand nine hundred sixty-three, and, upon the expiration thereof, for successive terms of four years each next thereafter. A vacancy occurring in the office during any term thereof shall be filled by appointment as herein provided for the remainder of such term.

The director may be removed from office by the governor for cause as provided in the Constitution. At the time of his initial appointment, he shall be at least thirty years old and shall be selected with special reference and consideration given to his training, experience, capacity and interest in the natural resources program as herein embraced. He shall not be a candidate for or hold any other public office, shall not be a member of any political party committee, and shall immediately forfeit and vacate his office as director in the event he becomes a candidate for or accepts appointment to any other public office or political party committee.