Kayla Kessinger

Secretary of the Department of Tourism
Secretary Kayla Kessinger seated in front of white background

Secretary Kessinger is a native of southern West Virginia who was first elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 2014 at the age of 21. She served four terms in the House and rose to Assistant Majority Leader before leaving the Legislature in 2022. 

 

She then stepped into the role of State Program Director of a national nonprofit organization serving West Virginia families. Kayla led the organization’s State Coordinator Team connecting assistance providers, community organizations, and local leaders. 

 

In August 2026, Kessinger was appointed to lead the West Virginia Department of Tourism which includes the WV Department of Arts, Culture, and History.