WVCA member Arch Coal announced John Eaves has been elected chairman and CEO, effective immediately, succeeding Wesley Taylor, who will remain on the Arch Coal board. John was elected to Arch's board in 2006 and was elected its president and chief executive officer in 2012. Arch also announced that Paul A. Lang, previously Arch's executive vice president and chief operating officer, has been elected president and chief operating officer, effective immediately.
Thursday, Governor Tomblin appointed Democrat Steven Shaffer to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Larry Williams (D-Preston County-52nd District). Williams resigned on April 15th and Shaffer's appointment is effective immediately. Shaffer, 60, is a longtime resident of Preston County who has served as Mayor of Tunnelton, a member of the Board of Education and an Assistant Prosecutor in Preston County. He has an accounting degree from Fairmont State University, a law degree from WVU and is currently a partner at Estep & Shaffer, L.C., Attorneys at Law in Kingwood. Shaffer was a candidate for the State Senate last year opposing longtime Preston County Republican Senator Dave Sypolt.