Morrisey appoints Christina Mullins as acting secretary of Department of Human Services

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Governor Patrick Morrisey announced Friday that Alex Mayer will depart his role as Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Human Services, effective Sunday, March 15, 2026. Morrisey has appointed DoHS Deputy Secretary Christina Mullins to serve as Acting Secretary.

“I want to thank Alex Mayer for leading the Department of Human Services during an important period for our state,” Morrisey said. “He has worked tirelessly on behalf of West Virginians, and I wish him the very best as he pursues an opportunity in the private sector.”

Mayer served as Secretary of DoHS during a period when the department focused on strengthening services for children and families, improving operational efficiency and addressing key challenges within the state’s human services system.

Mullins, the current Deputy Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, will step in as Acting Secretary following Mayer’s departure.

“Christina Mullins brings deep experience and strong leadership to this role,” Morrisey said. “She understands the mission of the Department of Human Services and has spent years working to improve programs that support West Virginia families. I’m confident she will provide steady leadership as we continue important work across the department.”

Mullins has served as Deputy Secretary since 2022 and brings years of experience working on public health and substance use policy in West Virginia. She is a graduate of Marshall University.

The Department of Human Services administers a wide range of programs supporting children, families, seniors and individuals with disabilities, including child welfare services, Medicaid and public assistance programs.