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Derek Scarbro leaving West Virginia Democratic Party

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By Whitney Burdette - email

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Longtime West Virginia Democratic Party Executive Director Derek Scarbro has announced his resignation.

Scarbro, who has worked in that position for the past nine years, is leaving in March, according to a statement.

"I wanted to give the party leadership time to find a replacement and to help provide a smooth transition by announcing my departure months in advance," Scarbro said. "I have greatly enjoyed my time here helping candidates run for office and working with dedicated West Virginians across the state."

Democratic Party Chairman Larry Puccio is expected to announce Scarbro's replacement in the coming weeks. Scarbro will stay on the party's staff to help with the transition.

"Derek has been an invaluable asset to us at the headquarters," Puccio said. "It's not an easy job juggling all of the politics, managing a staff that grows and shrinks with each election, plus all of the fundraising and budgeting, but Derek has served me and past chairmen with professionalism and dedication. We will miss him, but wish him well."

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, Sens. Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin, Rep. Nick Rahall and party vice chairwoman Belinda Biafore also wished Scarbro well, noting his work ethic, dedication and talent.

"It has been my pleasure to work with Derek during his time at the state party," Biafore said in a statement. "He was the ‘go-to guy' anytime there was a question. We would not have been as successful in our elections without the tireless work of Derek Scarbro. I wish him all the best for whatever his future holds."

Prior to joining the Democratic Party, Scarbro worked for the West Virginia Development Office, with state Treasurer John Perdue and with a youth academy.