CHARLESTON – Senate President Mitch Carmichael, R-Jackson, today announced that Senator Dr. Mike Maroney, R-Marshall, has been named Chairman of the Senate Health and Human Resources Committee. He replaces Senator Tom Takubo, R-Kanawha, who has been named Senate Majority Leader.

Senator Maroney, who was elected in 2016, currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Health and Human Resources Committee. He also is the Chairman of the Economic Development Committee and a member of the Banking and Insurance, Finance, Government Organization, Interstate Cooperation, Pensions, and Transportation and Infrastructure committees.

“Senator Maroney will be able to continue the excellent work Senator Takubo started in 2017,” Senate President Carmichael said. “Our state is gripped by an opioid epidemic, and our population is aging and sick. Addressing these problems takes strong leadership and a deep knowledge of the entire health care system. Mike is the perfect leader to help guide our health policy in the Senate. The citizens of West Virginia will benefit from his knowledge, training, and passion for improving health policies and outcomes in our state.”

Senator Maroney is a graduate of West Virginia University and the Marshall University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Diagnostic Radiology and a fellowship in Neuroradiology, both at the University of Maryland Medical System. He is Chairman of Radiology at Reynolds Memorial Hospital in Glen Dale and Wetzel County Hospital. Since 2003, he has been with Radiology Associates Inc., which provides imaging services to eight hospitals in the Ohio Valley.

“I’m excited that Senate President Carmichael has confidence in me and has given me this opportunity to lead such an important committee that so closely fits my professional skill set,” Senator Maroney said. “I’m passionate about fighting our state’s opioid crisis, and I know that it’s going to take a comprehensive approach involving input from all sides of the equation. The health and wellness of West Virginians should be our top priority, because a strong and healthy workforce is a critical key to unlocking our true economic potential. I’m looking forward to tackling these challenges right out of the gate.”

Senator Maroney represents the Second Senatorial District, which includes Wetzel, Tyler, Doddridge, Ritchie, and Calhoun counties and parts of Marshall, Monongalia, Marion, and Gilmer counties.

The 84th Legislature begins January 9, 2019.