CHARLESTON — Gov. Jim Justice announced two appointments during a news conference today, naming current Secretary of Revenue David J. Hardy to fill the seat left by Judge Joanna Tabit's death in September, and then naming Larry Pack to fill Hardy's position.
Justice previously appointed Hardy cabinet secretary of the West Virginia Department of Revenue in January 2017 and he also served as the governor’s designee on the Municipal Home Rule, Investment Management and the Board of Treasury Investments Boards.
Since he was appointed secretary of revenue, he and Justice have shepherded the state through challenging financial times, steering West Virginia from a $500 million deficit in 2017 to a $1.1 billion surplus in 2023.
"Dave Hardy has been a true partner in turning West Virginia's financial tide," Justice said. "Since his appointment as Revenue Secretary in 2017, he's been at my side as we steered our state from deficits to prosperity."
Justice said Hardy's keen understanding of the state's fiscal landscape, coupled with his unwavering commitment to public service, makes him exceptionally qualified for this new role.
"I'm honored beyond words by Governor Justice's faith in me," Hardy said. "To stand beside him in steering West Virginia from fiscal quicksand to solid ground has been an absolute privilege. His unwavering leadership, paired with his laser focus on fiscal responsibility, have been the compass guiding us through choppy waters."
Hardy said serving on the Thirteenth Circuit Court is a monumental responsibility, and he pledged to carry his commitment to fairness and justice into every courtroom, ensuring every citizen receives the respect and equal representation they deserve.
Hardy has more than 33 years of experience in private legal practice and is also a certified public accountant with decades of experience balancing the budget for West Virginia's most populous county.
Hardy has a combined 21 years of service to the citizens of Kanawha County, first as a member of Charleston City Council from 1995 to 2001, and later as a commissioner on the Kanawha County Commission from 2001 to 2017.
As a lawyer, Hardy is experienced in all aspects of the mining industry, including occupational and mine health and safety matters and deliberate intent occupational injury litigation and has been designated a “Best Lawyer in America” in energy law as well as a “Top Lawyer” in the West Virginia Top Lawyers Guide.
Hardy has lectured widely throughout the country in the areas of occupational and mine health and safety law and he currently teaches graduate classes on public budgeting and contract management at West Virginia State University.
Hardy is from Pratt and received abachelor's in history and government and a bachelor's in accounting from West Virginia University Institute of Technology. He received his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law.
Hardy worked as a partner at Jackson Kelly from 1993 until 2012, when he formed Hardy Pence, which specializes in mining and energy law.
Pack will take over Hardy's role and will be acting secretary of the West Virginia Department of Revenue.
"Larry is a proven leader with a deep understanding of our state's finances and a commitment to fiscal responsibility,” Justice said. “His business acumen and knowledge of the tax code will be invaluable in leading the Department of Revenue and I am confident that he will work tirelessly to ensure that West Virginia remains on the pathway to prosperity."
Pack said he was looking forward to starting the job.
"I am honored to be appointed Acting Secretary of Revenue and I am excited to get to work on behalf of the people of West Virginia," Pack said. "I believe that the Department of Revenue plays a vital role in making West Virginia a more prosperous state, and I am committed to working with Gov. Justice and the Legislature to achieve that goal."
Pack was first elected to the House of Delegates representing District 35 in 2020. He resigned to become a senior advisor to the Governor in 2022.
Pack has owned and operated seven healthcare centers throughout West Virginia. He also co-founded the accounting firm Pack Lambert & Burdette, which later merged with Suttle and Stalnaker.
