PERSONNEL FILE: Department of Revenue announces personnel changes

CHARLESTON -- Department of Revenue Cabinet Secretary Virgil T. Helton has announced two new staffing changes within the Department of Revenue.

Deputy Cabinet Secretary Erica M. Mani will now take on additional duties as the Acting General Counsel for the Department, and Kathy Lawson will be assisting with Departmental legislation and other issues as Acting Associate General Counsel.

"Ms. Mani has been invaluable during her tenure at the Department of Revenue, and I anticipate her additional leadership will be instrumental," Helton said. "Ms. Lawson is a welcomed addition to our office, bringing a wealth of knowledge which will be heavily relied upon with great confidence."

For more than a year, Mani has assisted the Cabinet Secretary in handling the day-to-day operations of the Department and its ten agencies in the areas of employment, IT operations, budgetary matters, and security issues, while heading up several special projects for Helton. Prior to joining the Department, Mani practiced law in the private sector and served as General Counsel to former Gov. Bob Wise. With this change, Mani will take the lead in the Secretary Office's legal endeavors.

Lawson has served as legal counsel for the State Division of Banking for eight years, focusing on mortgage related issues, responding to banking inquiries, and also serving as the consumer compliant contact. Lawson is joining the Department for the legislative session, while continuing to monitor the Division of Banking's legislation and other issues.

Mani and Lawson began serving in their new roles in February 2009. Mani replaces former General Counsel Michele Duncan Bishop, who was appointed by Manchin as Chief Administrative Law Judge for the Office of Tax Appeals.