Minority Leader, West Virginia State Senate, 2015-2016

Senator, West Virginia State Senate, 1997-2016

Senate President, West Virginia State Senate, 2011-2015

Candidate, West Virginia State Governor, 2011

Acting Senate President, West Virginia State Senate, 2010-2011

Appointed, Senator, West Virginia State Senate, 1997

Former Member, Commission on Special Investigations, West Virginia State Senate

Former Member, Confirmations Committee, West Virginia State Senate

Former Member, Economic Development Committee, West Virginia State Senate

Former Member, Finance Committee, West Virginia State Senate

Former Member, Joint Finance Committee, West Virginia State Legislature

Former Member, Joint Government and Finance Committee, West Virginia State Legislature

Former Member, Joint PEIA, Seniors, and Long Term Care Committee, West Virginia State Legislature

Former Member, Joint Technology Committee, West Virginia State Legislature

Former Member, Post Audits Subcommittee, West Virginia State Senate

Former Member, Rules Committee, West Virginia State Senate

Attorney, Berry, Kessler, Crutchfield, Taylor and Gordon, 1983-present

Partner, Berry, Kessler, Crutchfield, Taylor and Gordon, 1983-present

West Virginia Coal Miner

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Marshall County, West Virginia, 1985-2000

City Solicitor, Benwood, West Virginia, 1983-1997

Municipal Court Judge, McMechen, West Virginia, 1982-1989

Associate, Rickey, Chase, Chase and Hyre, 1981-1983

Member, Saint Jude Church, 1983-present

Member, Board of Directors, Marshall County Senior Citizens, Incorporated

Member, Board of Directors, One Valley Bank North

Member, Board of Directors, Regional Economic Development Partnership

Member, Family Violence Prevention Program, Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA)

Member, West Virginia American Trauma Society

Member, West Virginia Trial Lawyers Association

Member, Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce

Board Member, Branch Banking and Trust, 1999

Member, Board of Directors, Ohio Valley Industrial and Business Development Corporation, 1998

Member, West Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, 1985

Awards:

Lifetime Achievement Award, Governor's Arts Awards, 2012
Public Leadership Award, Fairness West Virginia, 2011
Legislator of the Year, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 2011
Legislator of the Year, West Virginia Nurses Advanced Practitioners, 2011
Democrat of the Year, Marshall County, 1994
Legislator of the Year, 1998, 1999, 2004, 2005
Senate Perfect Roll Call Attendance Award, 1998, 1999, 2001

Father's Name:

George H. Kessler

Favorite Movie:

It's a Wonderful Life, The Verdict, The Godfather, The Sting, Saving Private Ryan, Coal Country

Favorite Musician:

Neil Diamond, Brad Paisley, Rod Stewart, Bob Dylan, George Strait, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Willie Nelson Stardust, B.E. Taylor, Carlos Santana

Favorite Quote:

"With slight efforts to expect great results, is not only foolish...it is impossible." ~Thomas Jefferson

Favorite TV Shows:

Wvu Football Basketball, CNN News, Fox News, Pittsburgh Steelers, All in the Family, Marshall Football

Mother's Name:

Rosemary Krupica Kessler