State mine safety director appointed - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

State mine safety director appointed

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A former agency deputy will take over at the top spot in the West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin appointed Eugene White, deputy director under the retiring C.A. Phillips, to director position.

"I'm very pleased to announce Eugene White will take over as Director of the Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training," Tomblin said. "Eugene, a former coal miner, has served the public for many years in the OMHS&T. He has made important contributions to mine safety as the Deputy Director. He has also been an integral part of the State's Mine Emergency Team. I know that as Director he will continue to work tirelessly to improve the safety of coal mines across West Virginia. Eugene has the respect and support of our miners and our companies. He will do a great job."

White was formerly deputy director and an inspector at the OMHS&T. He has been at the office since 2001 and was a member of the State's Mine Emergency Team.

Phillips officially directed the agency since August 2011 but led the agency in an acting position for that. He worked for the agency since 2001.