CHARLESTON – Senate President Mitch Carmichael, R-Jackson, today announced that Senator Eric Tarr, R-Putnam, has been named Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance. He replaces Senator Kenny Mann, R-Monroe.
Senator Tarr was elected to the Senate in 2018. He is currently Vice Chairman of the Health and Human Resource Committee and serves as a member of the Banking and Insurance, Economic Development, Enrolled Bills, Finance, Government Organization, and Workforce committees.
“The Finance Committee touches virtually every major piece of legislation that goes through the Senate, and a strong leadership team is important to make sure the job is done efficiently and expertly,” Senate President Carmichael said. “Senator Tarr has a very deep understanding of both the private and public sector, and as a successful business owner, he knows what’s involved in a budget process. I am grateful to have him step into this role at a critical time, and I look forward to what he will accomplish.”
Senator Tarr is a physical therapist and small business owner. His family of companies includes about 30 different businesses in 10 different industries. He is a member of the Putnam County Rotary Club, a member of the board of directors of the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the West Virginia Physical Therapy Association. Prior to his election in 2018, he served as Policy Adviser to the Chairman of the Senate Health Committee and Policy Adviser to the Senate Majority Leader. He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, received his doctorate from Simmons College in Boston, and earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Charleston.
“I appreciate Senate President Carmichael for putting his faith in my ability, and I’m honored to be able to serve the citizens of the State of West Virginia in this role,” Senator Tarr said. “I believe a strong foundation can be built upon teamwork and common goals, and I know the Finance Committee members share the goal of making West Virginia the best state for businesses and families in the country.”
Senator Tarr represents the Fourth Senatorial District, which includes Jackson and Mason Counties, and parts of Putnam and Roane counties.