Chelsea Ruby: Tourism secretary deserves praise
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Across three West Virginia gubernatorial administrations, Chelsea Ruby has been an incredibly capable and steady hand in changing the way travelers (and Mountain State residents) think about the wonders of our state. She has helped turn tourism into a powerful part of our economy, rather than an afterthought; and she has reminded us and the rest of the world, of the historic, cultural and natural treasures right in our own backyard.
She's helped us celebrate our state's 150th birthday and our country's 250th.
Under her watch, tourism here has blossomed to generating $1.1 billion in tax revenues last year, including a direct benefit of $619 million for state and local governments. Tourism jobs represented nearly 7% of all jobs in West Virginia. West Virginia now boasts the country's newest national park, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, which was named the No. 1 underrated destination for 2026 by U.S. News and World Report.
Ruby is responsible for the Almost Heaven tourism brand campaign, leaning into "Take Me Home, Country Roads" as a mantra now celebrated around the world.
Her efforts have won hearts AND awards, and it is difficult to overestimate how important she's been in reshaping our economy and image.
Curtis Capehart, Gov. Patrick Morrisey's director of policy, will no doubt serve capably as acting secretary, now that Ruby has announced she plans to leave her post as cabinet secretary for the state Department of Tourism Aug. 1. But whoever is chosen as Ruby's successor will have enormous shoes to fill. The search must take place with an eye toward building on her work, rather than letting it become stale.
As West Virginians are reminded how much we owe Ruby, and how grateful we are for her innovative efforts on our behalf, we wish her nothing but the best as she sets off on her next adventure.