CHARLESTON. W.Va. – Gov. Jim Justice announced last week that Tia Welch has been appointed to serve as director of the West Virginia Equal Employment Opportunity Office, effective March 14.

For the last nine months, Welch has served as an Employer Engagement Specialist for Goodwill Industries of Kanawha Valley. Prior to that, she worked for the Charleston Job Corps Center in various roles for nearly 20 years.

In her role as EEO Director, Welch will work to increase state agencies’ understanding of and compliance with equal employment laws and practices to prevent workplace harassment and discrimination; increase education and outreach efforts through various trainings, literature, and materials; and collaborate with other agencies, higher education, and community organizations to promote diversity and inclusion and eliminate barriers to employment.

Welch holds a master’s degree in theology from Freedom Bible College, a Bachelor of Science degree from West Virginia State University, and a ministerial ordination from the Heart of God Ministries International Fellowship of Churches.