CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Outgoing Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sherri Young is stepping down as leader of the West Virginia Department of Health.
Young resigns amid an administration transition, and new Governor Patrick Morrisey is appointing Dr. Arvin Singh to lead the charge.
In a statement, Young said serving West Virginians was an honor.
Dr. Sherri Young
“It has truly been an honor to serve as Cabinet Secretary and work alongside such a dedicated team of professionals. I am incredibly proud of everything we have accomplished together, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and support of the people of West Virginia,” Young said. “A job is just that, a job. Regardless of a title, I will always carry the health and wellbeing of West Virginians in my heart. It doesn’t matter if I’m in a clinic, a hospital, an office, or going door-to-door, I will always serve the great people of West Virginia when and where they need me.”
Young also said she can look back on her time with pride, as significant progress was made.
“I am proud of the progress we’ve made in expanding access to emergency medical services, enhancing trauma care, and making West Virginia a leader in public health initiatives,” Young said.
During her time, Young oversaw the implementation of a whole blood protocol for the entire state. This move improved trauma survival rates in rural parts of the state.
The West Virginia Department of Health also saw an overhaul of the state’s grant management process with Young in charge. The overhaul proved to be an efficient measure for distributing funding, as 159 out of 265 SFY25 subrecipient grants were finalized.
In the release, Morrisey offered his thanks to Young for her work in the Mountain State.
Patrick Morrisey
“I want to thank Dr. Sherri Young for her long-standing public service and dedication to improving the health and well-being of West Virginians,” Morrisey said.
Dr. Arvin Singh brings a strong background in acute, behavioral and ambulatory care with him to West Virginia. Singh served as Vice President of Strategy and Communications for the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, as well as COO for a Louisiana-based behavioral health network and Federally Qualified Health Center.
Morrisey says Singh will be a strong leader with a vision for the future.
“As we look to the future, I am confident that Dr. Arvin Singh will continue this important work with excellence. His extensive experience and vision for healthcare will ensure West Virginia remains a leader in public health,” Morrisey said. “I am excited to support Dr. Singh in his new role and look forward to the continued progress our state will make under his leadership
Singh says he’s grateful for the opportunity, and he’s thankful for Young’s leadership before him.
Dr. Arvin Singh
“I am deeply grateful to Governor Morrisey for the opportunity to serve as Secretary of Health for West Virginia,” Singh said. “I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Young for her service and leadership, which have left a lasting impact. I am excited to work alongside dedicated professionals to help shape the department’s future and enhance the health and well-being of all West Virginians.”
Young says she’s rooting for Singh going forward.
“I am confident that Dr. Singh will continue the progress we have made and build upon it in meaningful ways,” Young said. “I wish him every success in leading the Department of Health and advancing the health and well-being of all West Virginians.”