CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) – Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced several key appointments to his administration, naming Lars Dalseide as Communications Director, Dianna Graves as Legislative Affairs Director, and promoting Drew Galang to Press Secretary.
Lars Dalseide joins the Governor’s Office with more than 15 years of experience leading media, advocacy, and communications strategies for high-profile organizations. Previously, he served as Director of Policy Advancement and Media Relations at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), where he directed media strategy, public outreach, and content development to advance free-market and limited-government policy solutions across the country.
Prior to joining ALEC, Dalseide spent 15 years with the National Rifle Association of America, serving as one of the organization’s key media and communications executives. He managed national media outreach, served as a spokesperson on policy issues, and helped shape the association’s digital and traditional communications strategy.
Dalseide is a graduate of James Madison University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and Georgetown University with a master’s degree in Social and Public Policy.
Dianna Graves is the current Commissioner of the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services (WVBSS). Before becoming the Commissioner, Graves was the Executive Director of a non-profit that benefitted families in impoverished areas by providing free afterschool care. She also served for five years as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, first as Chair of the Pension Committee and later as the Caucus Chair for all of the majority party.
Graves graduated from Stanford University and has been an accountant and auditor for over a decade. She has studied at the University College of Galway Ireland, the Institute of International Business Education in the Russian Federation, at Tulsa University and at West Virginia State University. While serving as Legislative Affairs Director, Graves also will serve as Acting Commissioner of WVBSS until a new Commissioner can be named.
Drew Galang has served as Deputy Press Secretary since joining the Morrisey administration at the beginning of the year. He brings more than seven years of experience working with political campaigns, PACs, state parties, and nonprofits nationwide. Previously, as Vice President of Digital at RedRock Strategies, Galang led the strategy and operations of digital advertising, communications, and fundraising programs for campaigns and political organizations in more than 25 states. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science.
Appointments to State Boards
Governor Morrisey also announced several key appointments to state boards and authorities to strengthen public services across West Virginia.
Public Employees Insurance Agency Finance Board
Governor Morrisey has appointed John Frankovitch to the PEIA Finance Board. John is a lifelong resident of West Virginia with over 35 years’ experience in healthcare and insurance. His background includes 25 years in healthcare administration including serving as President and CEO of Weirton Medical Center from 2015 until his retirement in 2024. Additionally, John was a Principal with Assure America Corporation, one of WV’s largest independent insurance agencies. John holds a master’s in business administration from Franciscan University and was a member of Brickstreet Insurance’s Advisory Board. He and his wife Karen reside in Weirton.
WV Board of Coal Mine Health and Safety Administrator
Governor Morrisey has appointed Thomas Clark to be the Administrator of the Board of Coal Mine Health and Safety. Clark is a forty-year veteran of the coal industry, with extensive experience in production, safety, leadership, and supervisory roles. His career spans underground and surface mining operations, coal preparation plants, and mine safety programs. Clark served with the Mine Safety and Health and Health Administration (MSHA) as an inspector, supervisor, Mine Academy Manager, and Staff Assistant to the District Manager. He holds specializations in accident investigations and root cause analysis. His deep background in safety management and training has made him a respected leader in the field. Clark also served as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, where he was dedicated to improving his district and supporting the state’s workforce. Clark holds a degree in Occupational Development and is a graduate of the National Mine Health and Safety Academy. Tom and his wife Terry reside in Hurricane, WV.
