Trending
BRIDGEPORT -- A professional in statewide policy and public relations has been named the new president of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association.
Bill Bissett will take over as president on Jan. 2.
The association Board of Directors selected Bissett to take the reins after Rebecca McPhail resigned to join the American Chemistry Council as vice president of state affairs and political mobilization. Bissett's announcement was made during the association's eighth annual Meeting and Winter Convention in Bridgeport.
Bissett will continue to serve as state director for U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., until Dec. 31 when he will transition to lead the Manufacturers Association.
"My career has been full of meaningful opportunities connected to my home state of West Virginia from a variety of perspectives. Joining the WVMA is the perfect chance for me to dig in and work with the people who rescued our nation during the pandemic and are building our future -- the manufacturers," Bissett said. "This segment of our economy has boundless potential, and I look forward to helping manufacturers grow and prosper within the Mountain State."
Bissett is the right person to be president, according to Barbara Buck, president of the Manufacturers Association board.
"Bill Bissett absolutely is ready to lead the WVMA into the future," she said. "There are not many people who could step in and run with the tremendous momentum that we have had under Rebecca's leadership, but Bill is the right person for the job."
Bissett's career began in state government and continued with Charles Ryan Associates, an integrated marketing firm in Charleston. He also served in executive leadership positions with Marshall University, the Kentucky Coal Association and the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce.
"Bill Bissett has been a great state director and will do well as the new leader of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association," Capito said. "I have known Bill prior to serving in Congress and always appreciate his insights and ability. I thank Bill for his leadership and service to the people of West Virginia and know he will do great things for the manufacturers."
McPhail leaves the association after more than a decade as president.
With board operations director Kristen Harrison, she will work with Bissett to ensure a smooth transition.
"It has been an incredible honor to lead the WVMA, and I could not be happier to know that this organization will be in Bill's capable hands," McPhail said.
"I look forward to continuing the long-standing partnership with the WVMA as I settle into my new role with the American Chemistry Council."