Morrisey Appoints New DoHS Secretary

Carl Ayers has been named the new Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Human Services. Ayers has nearly 30 years of leadership experience prior to coming to West Virginia.  

Most recently he served as principal deputy commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services and was Virginia’s deputy commissioner of Human Services, overseeing child welfare, Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, childcare, and other major public assistance programs prior to that.  

Ayers’ new position has the same responsibilities.  

“West Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens deserve a Department of Human Services that is effective, accountable, and focused on results,” Morrisey said. “Carl Ayers has spent his career improving services for children and families, strengthening accountability, and making government work better. I am confident he will build on our efforts to modernize the department while ensuring critical services are delivered efficiently, effectively, and with compassion.” 

Former secretary Alex Mayer resigned March 15 to pursue a private sector opportunity.  

In a press release Morrisey said he has charged Ayers with continuing the administration’s efforts to improve efficiency, strengthen accountability, modernize department operations, and ensure critical human services are delivered effectively to the West Virginians who need them most. 

Ayers holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Radford University and currently serves as chair of the Child Welfare League of America. 

Clothing Vouchers 

Eligible families can also begin applying for the annual School Clothing Allowance program. The benefit helps qualifying families offset the cost of back-to-school clothing for school-aged children.  

Families may apply through their local DoHS office or online.