Ashton Marra Published

Democratic Governor-Elect Names Republican Legislative Director

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With his inauguration Monday, Gov.-elect Jim Justice is announcing more staff appointments in his new administration. 

Justice announced Friday former state Senator and long-time House of Delegates member Bob Ashely will take over as his legislative director, working directly with lawmakers to push the governor’s bill through the legislative process.

Ashley is a Republican joining the Democratic administration. He was appointed to the state Senate in 2015, but lost his election for the seat in November.

Justice also announced the naming of two other key positions in his office.

Jason Pizatella will return to Charleston to serve as deputy chief of staff under Nick Casey. Pizatella previously held the post in Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin’s administration then went on to serve as Secretary of Administration before leaving the Capitol to become president of the Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce last year.

Derek Scarbro will serve as Justice’s director of intergovernmental affairs. Scarbro was Justice’s campaign manager.