Updated on Thursday, October 10 at 3:10 p.m.
Almost two years after taking office, James Bailey is stepping down as secretary of the West Virginia Department of Commerce.
Bailey’s final day in office is Oct. 18. He is leaving his current position to practice law in the private sector, but told West Virginia Public Broadcasting he remains “extremely grateful for the opportunity” to oversee economic projects in the Mountain State.
“I had the most rewarding experience possible serving the people of West Virginia,” he said.
Gov. Jim Justice appointed Bailey to the role in December 2022. He had served as acting secretary since July 2022, following the retirement of his predecessor, C. Edward Gaunch.
At the time of his appointment, Bailey was 35 years old, making him the youngest active cabinet secretary in the state.
He managed an array of state agencies and commissions with a total budget of more than $420 million in 2023. He oversaw budgetary decision-making, financial planning and business recruitment efforts across the state.
Before leading it himself, Bailey served as deputy secretary of the Department of Commerce from August 2021 to July 2022, while concurrently serving as general counsel for the West Virginia Departments of Commerce, Tourism and Economic Development.
Bailey also previously served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Kanawha County and counsel to the president of the West Virginia Senate.
Justice announced Bailey’s coming departure during a virtual press briefing Thursday.
“He’s done a great job,” Justice said. “We wish him the absolute best of the best.”
Justice’s office announced in a Thursday afternoon press release that Nick Preservatti will serve as acting secretary of the Department of Commerce until Bailey’s successor is appointed. Preservatti currently serves as executive director of the West Virginia Office of Energy.
**Editor’s Note: This story was updated to note that Nick Preservatti was named acting secretary of the West Virginia Department of Commerce, which was announced after its publication.