Phillips has led the agency as acting director for the past year
CHARLESTON, W.Va -Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin announced today that he appointed C.A. Phillips to the position of director of the Office of Miners Safety Health and Training.
"Because of his extensive experience with the mining industry and his dedication to the health and safety of West Virginia miners, I believe C.A. is the right man for the job," said Gov. Tomblin. "C.A. is well versed in the needs and protection of miners and I am pleased that he has accepted the position permanently."
Phillips, who has been serving as acting director since November 2010, is a McDowell County native who has worked in and around the mining industry since 1969. He was a miner and fireboss for the Olga Coal Company, and then went on to work as a Health and Safety Representative with the United Mine Workers of America. In 2001, he was appointed deputy director of the WVOMHST by former Gov. Bob Wise before later being appointed to the role of acting director in 2010 by Gov. Tomblin.
Mr. Phillips and his wife Tina reside in Summers, County.