Press Room: Press Releases

Charleston, W.Va. – Senator Jay Rockefeller’s long-time State Director, Lou Ann Johnson, will retire after 28 years of service dating back to Rockefeller’s second term as Governor.

 

“Lou Ann absolutely loves West Virginia with all her heart,” Rockefeller said. “She’s tough as nails, she knows as much about state politics as anyone I’ve ever known, and she has the most overwhelming commitment to service I’ve ever seen. I’ll miss her terribly, but I’m incredibly lucky to have had her by my side for the last 28 years.”

 

Johnson, a native of Sophia, graduated with honors from Concord College in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree in community development and regional planning. Shortly following graduation, she was hired as a planner for the Community Development Division of then-Governor Rockefeller’s Office of Economic and Community Development. She joined the U.S. Senate staff in 1985 to work on economic development, and became Rockefeller’s State Director in 1987.

 

“Lou Ann’s passion for serving her state started very early in her life,” Rockefeller continued. “She knew she wanted to get outside of herself to help those around her and try to make life better for her fellow West Virginians. Day in and day out, she puts other people first and so many she has touched are forever grateful. I know I’m a better person for knowing her, and I believe West Virginia is a better place because of her devoted years of service.”

 

Rochelle Goodwin, a native of Salem and a 2000 graduate of the West Virginia University College of Law, is Rockefeller’s new State Director. Goodwin was hired as Deputy State Director in 2006.

 

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