By Diane Nester
For The Office of WV Secretary of State Kris Warner
Charleston – At the 49th annual International Association of Commercial Administrators (IACA) Conference in Providence, Rhode Island, the WV Secretary of State’s Internal Knowledge Center earned the 2026 Merit Award. Each year, IACA recognizes jurisdictions who have successfully implemented an innovative change in their home jurisdiction. Each submission is judged on effectiveness, originality, significance, and transferability. 2026 marks the second consecutive year West Virginia earned the Merit Award!
The Internal Knowledge Center was implemented using existing enterprise technology, minimizing costs while maximizing value to both employees and the public. The workforce enablement platform is a set of searchable webpages that serve as a repository of agency procedures, filing requirements, templates, policies, and training materials.
The platform was created to enhance consistency, reduce information search times, and preserve institutional knowledge. Employees can ask questions in natural language and receive immediate answers along with direct links to relevant Knowledge Center resources. This seamless experience allows staff to navigate complex procedures and serve customers more efficiently.
The WVSOS Office was represented at the conference by Business Division Director Sarah Carey, Licensing Director Leah Powell, Chief Technology Officer Corey Foster, and Content Management Specialist James Richardson.
“This project demonstrates how state government can leverage existing technology investments to solve real operational challenges,” said Sarah Carey, Director of the WVSOS Business Division. “By integrating knowledge management and artificial intelligence into a single employee experience, we have made it easier for staff to access information while improving service delivery.”
Secretary Warner said, “This award reflects the very best of public service innovation. By combining technology, institutional knowledge, and artificial intelligence into a practical solution that supports employees and improves operations, our team has created a model for enhanced governance.”
The IACA Merit Awards recognize outstanding programs that improve government operations. West Virginia earned a Merit Award in 2026, 2025, and 2019. The award acknowledges organizations that develop creative solutions with measurable benefits to stakeholders and the public.
