CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Patrick Morrisey on Tuesday appointed William J. “Bill” Vest of Oak Hill to the West Virginia House of Delegates, filling the vacancy in the 50th District created by the resignation of former Delegate Elliott Pritt, who stepped down after being indicted on federal charges.
Morrisey said Vest’s decades of experience in law enforcement, corrections administration and community leadership make him well‑suited for the role.
“With his extensive background in law enforcement, state corrections administration, and community leadership, Bill understands the values of hard work and accountability,” Morrisey said in a statement. “He will be a strong, reliable voice for his constituents, and I am confident he will serve with distinction in Charleston.”
Vest brings more than 40 years of public safety and administrative experience to the Legislature. He spent more than three decades within the state corrections system, retiring in 2022 as the acting administrator and superintendent of the Beckley Correctional Center. His career included leadership roles at Mount Olive Correctional Complex, where he served as deputy warden and associate warden of security, overseeing operations, budgets and personnel.
Before entering corrections administration, Vest worked as a correctional officer, a hospital security officer and a Military Police officer in the U.S. Army, where he provided specialized personal security details.
A graduate of Oak Hill High School, Vest completed criminal justice coursework at Glenville State College and holds certifications from the U.S. Military Police School and corrections academies in West Virginia and North Carolina. He is a member of the American Legion and the National Rifle Association. Vest resides in Oak Hill.
