
Mission
We are dedicated to fostering collaboration, providing resources, and advocating for the collective interests of West Virginia's counties. We aim to promote responsible governance and economic development as we work towards a stronger, more prosperous West Virginia for all.
Representation
During the legislative session the County Commissioners' Association is responsible for tracking and reporting on numerous bills affecting county government. Other services include bill research, bill drafting; lobbying; Legislative Alert notifications; and Legislative summaries.
Education
Many of our educational programs are arranged by the Association in cooperation with various entities include other associations and state and local government agencies. We offer the following:
-
Leadership Academy
-
Annual Convention and Legislative Conference
-
Year round webinars on county related topics
Communication
The association serves as a hub for distributing information among membership as well as to affiliate & associate organizations. We operate an email listserv to facilitate communication amongst members; maintain a social media presence on Facebook and Twitter, in addition to the following publications:
-
Commissioners' Corner (quarterly newsletter
-
Legislative Alerts and Updates
-
Press Releases
-
Association Wide ListServ
-
Social Media
-
Website


Message from the Executive Director,
On behalf of the County Commissioners’ Association of West Virginia (CCAWV), I extend a warm welcome to our online home. As Executive Director, I am incredibly proud to lead an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting the dedicated men and women who serve as county commissioners across our state.
In our democratic system, county government stands as the closest form of government to the people. It's where the rubber meets the road on issues that directly impact daily lives – from maintaining and providing essential public services to fostering economic growth and ensuring public safety. Our county commissioners are at the forefront of these efforts, working tirelessly to build stronger, more resilient communities for all.
At the CCAWV, our mission is clear: to equip our commissioners with the resources, knowledge, and collective voice they need to excel. Through statewide partnerships, proactive legislative advocacy, comprehensive training and education programs, and fostering inter-county collaboration, we strive to:
-
Champion County Interests: We are the unified voice of county government in West Virginia, advocating for policies and funding that enable counties to effectively serve their residents.
-
Empower Effective Leadership: We provide cutting-edge training, best practices, and networking opportunities to enhance the skills and knowledge of our commissioners.
-
Facilitate Collaboration: We believe in the power of shared experiences and collective problem-solving, connecting counties to learn from each other and address common challenges.
This website is a key tool in fulfilling that mission. Here, you'll find a wealth of information:
-
Latest News & Updates: Stay informed on state and national associations events, and county success stories.
-
Resources for Commissioners: Access valuable tools, publications, and best practices to support your work.
-
Upcoming Events: View our calendar of conferences, workshops, and training sessions.
-
Membership, Partnership, and Sponsorship Information: Learn how to become a part of our vital network.
-
Advocacy Efforts: Understand our legislative priorities and how we work to represent your interests.
We encourage you to explore our site, engage with our resources, and connect with us. Your feedback and involvement are crucial to our continued success. Together, we can strengthen county government and enhance the quality of life for all residents and visitors of West Virginia.
Thank you for your service and your commitment to our counties.
Melanie A. Pagliaro, Executive Director

ABOUT

Melanie A. Pagliaro, Executive Director
A WV Native, Melanie has over 15 years of executive leadership and management experience. She has over 20 years of public policy experience federal and state. Her public policy experience is derived from having served as a budget and policy analyst for the Speaker and Majority Leader of the West Virginia House of Delegates, and House Finance Committee. Her experience with the Executive Branch was obtained as she served as the director of legislative services for the Department of Health and Human Resources and as senior policy analyst in the Office of the Governor. Prior to her service in state government, Melanie spent more than 10 years working for non-profits where she lobbied for associations and coalitions. She has previous experience working with local government.
Melanie holds a B.A. in Business Education from Fairmont State University and a M.A. in Educational Administration from Marshall University.
Get to Know Our Staff

Board of Directors
Steven Schetrom, Hardy County, President
Charles "Dutch" Staggs, Mineral County, Vice-President
Tammy Tincher, Greenbrier County, Immediate Past President
Agnes Queen, Lewis County
Lisa Mace Godwin, Braxton County
Mike Rosenau, Tucker County
David J. Workman, Hardy County
R. Stephen "Steve" Catlett, Berkeley County
Roger Dahmer, Hampshire County
Hunter Thomas, Preston County
Lisa Heasley, Wetzel County
Sean Sikora, Monongalia County
Dick Waybright, Jackson County
Niki Garrett, Wirt County
Randall Riggs, Ritchie County
Gary Roberts, Nicholas County
Greg Puckett, Mercer County
David Kesling, Randolph County
Rick Handley, Mason County
Travis Thompson, Wayne County
Kelli Sobonya, Cabell County