Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin on Friday appointed an energy lobbyist to the state school board to fill a vacancy created when Wade Linger resigned last month.
In a press release, Tomblin announced the appointment of Scott Rotruck, who, according to state Ethics Commission filings, has lobbied natural gas, oil and transportation issues for companies like Chesapeake Energy and Geostellar Inc., a company that operates a solar panel online marketplace.
Rotruck currently is director of energy and transportation services for the Spilman, Thomas and Battle law firm, which he also has lobbied for in recent years. He is part of the firm's government relations, energy and shale gas practice groups.
Rotruck's appointment to the school board is effective immediately.
In addition to his role in the energy sector, Rotruck has worked for railroads. He has 30 years of experience with companies like Chesapeake Energy, Anker Energy, CONSOL Energy, CSX Corporation and Norfolk Southern Corporation.
"Scott possesses a wealth of knowledge from industries fundamental to our state's economic growth and ongoing development," Tomblin said. "His years of experience in the energy and transportation industries bring an important perspective to the Board of Education, and I'm confident he will help prepare our students for the jobs of today and tomorrow."
Rotruck also was an economic development director and senior adviser to the president of West Virginia University, where he also taught in the College of Business and Economics. He also sits on the university's Alumni Association Board of Directors.
"It's an honor to be appointed, and I take the state's obligation to provide a thorough and efficient education very seriously," Rotruck said. "It's not only a requirement, it is critical to our state's economic development. Education is the great equalizer, and I want to make sure our young people get a solid foundation and are prepared to continue into vocational training, a community or technical college, or a four-year university."
Rotruck replaces Linger, who in February resigned his seat on the school board in protest of legislative interference in education issues.
Another school board seat is technically up for appointment. The term of Gayle Manchin, wife of Sen. Joe Manchin, expired in November, but she can keep serving until Tomblin names a replacement.
Board members serve nine-year terms.
Reach Samuel Speciale at sam.speciale@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-7939 or follow @samueljspeciale on Twitter.