By Steven Allen Adams, The Parkersburg News and Sentinel
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Mark Scott, the cabinet secretary for the West Virginia Department of Administration, is resigning effective at the end of July, three months short of three years in the role following his involvement in the Babydog mural and behind-the scenes involvement in GOP primary races.
According to sources who declined to be identified, Scott’s pending resignation comes after a meeting with Gov. Jim Justice last week. Scott and the Department of Administration did not return a request for comment.
When asked about Scott’s impending resignation Tuesday at an event in Wheeling, Justice provided few details behind the reasoning, alluding to possible ethical issues.
“A lot of this I don’t know all the particulars about, but there are some real issues surrounding Mark,” Justice said. “I think Mark has done a good job in many ways, but maybe he got out over his skis and there are some real issues there and everything – from self-interest versus self-serving interest.”
Justice appointed Scott as cabinet secretary for the Department of Administration effective Nov. 1, 2021, following the appointment of previous cabinet secretary Allan McVey as the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner. Mary Jane Pickens served as acting cabinet secretary until Scott’s appointment became effective.
