My journey has been one of growth, hard work, and a deep passion for service. As a lifelong resident of the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, I’ve always embodied the values of my community—hard work, honesty, and a dedication to making things better. Growing up, I learned that success isn’t given; it’s earned through grit, perseverance, and a commitment to solving problems.

My career has spanned a wide range of experiences, from hands-on technical work in fields like engine repair, plumbing, and welding to running my own businesses. My natural curiosity and desire to learn drove me to acquire a diverse set of skills, including hydraulics, refrigeration, software design, and graphic arts. These experiences gave me a unique perspective that would later prove invaluable when I transitioned into politics.

I began my career on my family farm, Rosemary Orchard, where hard work and dedication were instilled in me. Producing and packaging apples and peaches alongside my family taught me that no job is too small and that every task deserves my full effort. It was during this time that my grandfather, Philip Porterfield, inspired my passion for community service. Watching him run for State Senate, even unsuccessfully, taught me the importance of striving to make a difference.

After those formative years, I moved into more specialized roles, becoming a plant engineer at Cassco Ice and Cold Storage (Reddy Ice). However, my entrepreneurial spirit couldn’t be contained. In 1993, I transitioned my side business, Sunset Trade Services, into a full-time venture—Sunset Water Services. Over time, this business grew to become the largest water treatment provider in the tri-state area, serving over 20,000 customers in the Eastern Panhandle. From packing apples to running a thriving business, I learned how to lead, innovate, and never back down from a challenge.

My transition into public service was inspired by my experiences as a small business owner. Frustrated with the state of government, I decided to run for office in 2002. I was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates, where I served four terms and became a vocal advocate for tax reform and small business relief. My work on tax policy and governmental efficiency earned me a reputation as a pragmatic leader focused on results.

In 2012, I took my service to the next level by running for the Senate. As the Senior Senator for the 15th Senatorial District, representing half of Berkeley County, all of Morgan, and Hampshire counties, my leadership evolved further. I’ve had the privilege of serving in roles like Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Majority Whip, and Chairman of the Committee on Government Organization. My work on committees such as Economic Development, Government & Finance, Banking & Insurance, and Education has helped shape policies that impact all of West Virginia.

In 2021, I was honored to be unanimously elected by my fellow Senators as Senate President, a role I was re-elected to in 2023. I’ve also served as Chairman of the Southern Legislative Conference (CSG South), a coalition of fifteen southern states, which has furthered my opportunities to lead and collaborate on a regional stage.

Throughout my career, I’ve held fast to the values that guided me in business—dedication, hard work, and a commitment to solving problems. Whether advocating for tax relief, supporting small businesses, or streamlining state government, I’ve always worked with one goal in mind: making West Virginia a better place for all its citizens.

Now, as I step into my new role as a consultant, my dedication to West Virginia remains unwavering. By leveraging my extensive knowledge of governmental affairs and the connections I’ve built over the years, I’m committed to helping our state continue to grow and thrive. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for West Virginia and its people.