Mike Queen Announces Retirement After Decade with West Virginia Secretary of State's Office

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — After 10 years helping shape the public voice of the West Virginia Secretary of State's Office, Deputy Secretary of State and Communications Director Mike Queen has announced plans to retire from state government.

Queen said he plans to retire on March 31, 2027, following the conclusion of the 2027 regular session of the West Virginia Legislature.

Speaking with Connect-Clarksburg, Queen reflected on a career that has included overseeing communications on statewide elections, business services, voter registration efforts and economic development initiatives.

"I've had an opportunity to work on critical issues and get the message out about elections, business development, the Office of Entrepreneurship and voter registration," Queen said. "I've enjoyed the 10 years that I've had at the Secretary of State's Office, the people I've met, the media folks I've worked with, and I'm looking forward to what's next."

Although retirement is now on the horizon, Queen said his immediate focus remains on helping Secretary of State Kris Warner complete several priorities before his departure.

Those include assisting with the transition to a new communications director, supporting the continued rollout of West Virginia's Office of Entrepreneurship and working on the agency's legislative agenda during the upcoming legislative session.

"There'll be something else," Queen said when asked about his future plans. "I'm sure there are going to be other options, but for right now, I'm focused on helping Secretary Warner with the transition to the new communications director, the opening of the Office of Entrepreneurship—which is an exciting part of the mission of the Secretary of State's Business Division—and working with the secretary on a legislative agenda for next year."

As part of the transition, Queen said Assistant Director of Communications Diane Nester will become the agency's Communications Director on July 1.

"I've had an opportunity to work with her and introduce her to key media outlets throughout the state for the last 17 months," Queen said. "She'll assume the position on July 1."

Queen will continue serving as Deputy Secretary of State through his retirement while assisting Warner and helping ensure a smooth transition within the office's communications team.

During his tenure, Queen has served under multiple Secretaries of State and has been one of the agency's primary public spokespeople, helping communicate election administration, voter education initiatives, business registration services and legislative priorities. Most recently, he has played a key role in promoting the creation of West Virginia's Office of Entrepreneurship, which was established to strengthen support for entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state.

His retirement next spring will conclude a decade of service with the Secretary of State's Office.