Key Communication Staff at W.Va. DEP Fired

The new head of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection fired two workers responsible for interacting with the public.

Chief communications director Kelley Gillenwater as well as environmental advocate Wendy Radcliff were both fired at the DEP. Radcliff’s role was largely to facilitate any problems or concerns between communities and the agency. Both positions are mandated by state law.

Jake Glace, a public information specialist with DEP, issued a brief statement that said the state agency is restructuring and consolidating positions to improve efficiency. He provided no response to questions about filling either of the vacated positions.

Governor Jim Justice announced the new DEP secretary earlier this month, Austin Caperton. In a news release from the governor’s office, Caperton mentioned he would focus on job growth in addition to protecting land, air and water in the state. No other statements have been released and no requests for an interview have been answered.

***Editor’s Note: Wendy Radcliff is also the wife of West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s executive director, Scott Finn.