PERSONNEL FILE: Former tax commissioner joins Steptoe & Johnson

CHARLESTON – Craig A. Griffith, Of Counsel, has joined Steptoe & Johnson’s Charleston office.

Griffith’s practice will focus on taxation, corporate and transactional law and government relations.

“We are thrilled that Craig joined Steptoe & Johnson on the heels of a great career in state government,” firm CEO Susan Brewer said. “His knowledge of law, taxation and the inner workings at the state capitol will be valuable tools for national and regional businesses with operations in West Virginia.”

Griffith was appointed by former Gov. Joe Manchin to lead the West Virginia State Tax Department in 2010. He was responsible for administering dozens of taxes generating more than $4 billion in state revenue.

Griffith joined the W.Va. Tax Department in 2007 as Deputy Tax Commissioner and Chief of Staff. He served as Secretary of the West Virginia Economic Development Authority, chairman of the West Virginia Tax Modernization workgroup, president of the Southeastern Association of Tax Administrators and second vice president of the Federation of Tax Administrators during his time in public service.

Griffith graduated from West Virginia University with both his undergraduate degree and juris doctor. He has been named a Distinguished West Virginian for 2013 by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin.

Steptoe & Johnson is nationally recognized as an energy firm with core strengths in energy law, labor & employment law, litigation and transactional law. Visit www.steptoe-johnson.com.