EMD Staffers Honored for Service

On May 10, 2023, three West Virginia Emergency Management Division employees were honored for their years of service to the State of West Virginia.

“I'm proud of the work we do at EMD, and I'm especially proud of those who made a career of serving the citizens of West Virginia," said WVEMD Director GE McCabe.

The annual ceremony recognizes employees from all state agencies who have served the State of West Virginia for at least 30 years. Any employee with 20 years of service in state government will receive a certificate from the Governor.

The following WVEMD team members were honored for their years of service:

• Dr. Matthew Blackwood, Deputy Director, 30 years
• Vicki Chandler, Executive Assistant, 40 years (pictured with Cabinet Secretary Jeff Sandy, right)
• Douglas McClung, Chief Financial Officer, 30 years (pictured with Cabinet Secretary Jeff Sandy, below, right​)​

When asked why they chose to work—and stay—in state government, Chandler and McClung offered the following responses: 

“I worked in the Attorney General's Office for four years before moving awa​y. After starting my family, I came back to the area as a single mother and worked for lawyers in the private sector. The lawyers didn't like it if I had to be away with a sick child, so I decided to come back to the State. The benefits of having family sick leave and annual leave gave me the security I'd never have in the private sector. That was back in 1987 and I've been here ever since."

“West Virginia has always been good to me, and working in state government is my way of paying it back," said McClung. “I think you should always help your own house be in order instead of looking to go elsewhere."

Celebrated annually during the first week of May since 1985, Public Service Recognition Week is time set aside to honor the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local government employees. Learn more from the United States Office of Personnel Management.