WV Department of Homeland Security > Report: Gov. Justice appoints Mark Sorsaia as Secretary of Dept. of Homeland Security

Report: Gov. Justice appoints Mark Sorsaia as Secretary of Dept. of Homeland Security

CHARLESTON, WV – Gov. Jim Justice announced today the retirement of West Virginia Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeff Sandy, effective July 31, 2023.

"Jeff Sandy has done an amazing job as Secretary of Homeland Security," Gov. Justice said. "He's an honorable man who's helped my administration in countless ways, and we will greatly miss his tireless work. I can never thank him enough for his service these past seven years and I wish him the absolute best in his retirement."

Gov. Justice presented Sandy with a Distinguished West Virginian Award earlier today.

Gov. Justice also announced today that he has appointed Mark Sorsaia as Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security, effective August 1, 2023.

"Mark is incredibly qualified to take the helm of this important agency, and I look forward to working closely with him," Gov. Justice said.

About Mark Sorsaia:

Mark Sorsaia started his career as an assistant prosecuting attorney in 1988 and was elected as the Prosecuting Attorney of Putnam County West Virginia in 1996. Mark is currently serving in his fifth term as Prosecuting Attorney.

Mark has served in leadership positions in various organizations relating to the criminal justice system. He is a past vice president of the West Virginia Association of Counties. He has served on the Board of Directors of the West Virginia Prosecuting Attorneys Association and has served as the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the West Virginia Prosecuting Attorneys Institute. Mark has served as West Virginia's representative on the Board of Directors of the National District Attorneys Association and was also a member of The Board of Regents of the National College of District Attorneys and the National District Attorneys Association.

As a prosecutor, Mark has focused his attention over the years on continuing legal education for the law enforcement community in general. Mark regularly participates as an instructor in continuing education programs for the state prosecuting attorneys association, as well as for law enforcement at the West Virginia State Police Academy. He has also been a guest lecturer at West Virginia State College, as well as at the FBI Academy located in Quantico VA, and at the FBI District Field Office Pittsburgh Division, and the FBI National Academy Associates West Virginia Chapter. Mark was very active for several years as a legal instructor at the National Advocacy Center, which was a national training center for America's Prosecutors, located on the campus of the University of South Carolina. As a legal instructor, Mark's focused on the use of forensic science in the courtroom, trial advocacy, the prosecution of homicide and sexual assault cases, and professional ethics.

Mark is married to Cynthia, who is a Communities In Schools program coordinator at the West Virginia Department of Education. Mark and Cynthia have two children.