Gov. Justice appoints new equal employment office director

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Gov. Jim Justice has appointed a new director of the state’s Equal Employment Opportunity Office.

The Republican governor named Tia Welch to the position Thursday. Welch will be tasked with helping state agencies understand equal employment laws and practices to prevent workplace harassment.

Justice says Welch has served as an employer engagement specialist for Goodwill Industries of Kanawha Valley. She’s also held multiple roles in her nearly 20 years with the Charleston Job Corps Center.

He says Welch has a master’s degree in theology from Freedom Bible College and a ministerial ordination from the Heart of God Ministries International Fellowship of Churches.