West Virginia Department of Commerce Cabinet Secretary C. Edward “Ed” Gaunch is set to retire after more than three years in the role. The governor said Gaunch, who was appointed to the role in 2018, will step down in July. Gaunch is a native of Boone County who spent several years in the insurance industry, and was elected to the State Senate in 2014. Gaunch’s departure is effective at midnight on Friday, July 15, 2022. The next Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Commerce will be appointed by Gov. Justice at a later date.