CHARLESTON – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has announced the selection of several staff members who have assumed job duties as members of his administration.

Hallie Schenker Mason, joining as director of public policy, served as a budget analyst for the West Virginia House of Delegates Finance Committee for nine years. Mason earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from West Virginia University and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Mason is an alumna of Leadership West Virginia.

Becky Neal has been named as director of intergovernmental affairs. Neal spent several years in a variety of key staff roles in the West Virginia Senate President’s (Tomblin) office. Neal also served as vice president of Government Relations and chief lobbyist for BrickStreet Mutual Insurance Company for four years. Neal is a former member of the West Virginia Insurance Federation where she served on the board of directors and is former member of the Executive Committee and Secretary/Treasurer. She was also a member of the West Virginia State Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Committee; associate member of the Business & Industry Council and alumna of Leadership West Virginia.

Deborah Linz joins the Governor’s Office as press secretary. Prior to accepting her new role, Linz served as a longtime co-anchor of WCHS and WVAH television news. Linz has been recognized as an EMMY award-winning journalist and has received numerous votes of “Best Anchor” by the West Virginia Broadcasters Association and the Associated Press.

Jennifer Ferrell, the governor’s director of constituent services, began working part-time in state government during the Underwood administration. Ferrell has been with the Governor’s Office for more than ten years. A Kanawha County native, Ferrell earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from West Virginia University Institute of Technology.

And Sherrie Stone will serve as executive scheduler to the governor. Stone has worked in state government since 1995. She began as a Uniform Commercial Code clerk in the Secretary of State’s Office. Stone was also a staff member throughout Joe Manchin’s tenure as governor and secretary of state.