Bureau for Family Assistance commissioner latest to exit Morrisey administration

Janie Cole is leaving her role as commissioner of the Bureau for Family Assistance in the Morrisey administration.

Cole has a lengthy career overseeing programs related to children and families and has served as commissioner since 2023. She previously served as deputy commissioner for the Bureau for Children and Families.

Lars Dalseide, communications director for Gov. Patrick Morrisey, told West Virginia Watch that Cole is retiring. Dalseide and the Department of Human Services did not provide additional details, but Cole is expected to leave the position this week. 

Cole’s exit comes on the heels of Dr. Stephen Loyd, director of the state’s Office of Drug Control Policy, resigning from his role.

The Bureau for Family Assistance oversees programs helping West Virginia children and families in need, including federal food assistance and assistance paying utility bills.

Cole was tasked with overseeing a number of programs scrutinized by Morrisey, including federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. The program funds the state’s school clothing allowance program, which experienced a number of hiccups this summer ahead of the new school year while Morrisey evaluated the funding.  

The Bureau of Family Assistance also oversees the state’s child care subsidy program, which is funded by TANF dollars. That program has been flagged by Morrisey for potential cuts or changes due to the state’s waning TANF dollars. 

“It’s unfortunate to see another knowledgeable, talented department head leave the work of state government,” said Del. Kayla Young, D-Kanawha, who has spearheaded childcare subsidy expansion in the Legislature. “It makes the work ahead much more challenging, but it’s not surprising, for a number of reasons: revolving secretaries, supposed asks to remain quiet, and the Legislature taking away civil service protections and weakening state worker benefits.”

Under Cole’s leadership, the state nearly doubled the number of Family Support Centers in West Virginia to help families in crisis with the goal of preventing children entering the foster care system. 

Cole holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in child development and family studies from West Virginia University. 

She was named commissioner of the Bureau for Family Assistance under Gov. Jim Justice. 

“Commissioner Cole’s departure from state government is a tremendous loss for our state. For more than two decades, she has made measurable, positive differences for children and families in West Virginia,” said Jim McKay, state director of Prevent Child Abuse West Virginia.

“She has led efforts to improve the quality and availability of child care and other early childhood development programs, helping West Virginia build one of the strongest pre-K programs in the country,” McKay continued. “After years of rising numbers of children in foster care, the number of child abuse victims in West Virginia is now on the decline. The work is unfinished, but the foundation that Commissioner Cole and her team have established is strong and will have a lasting impact on West Virginia.”