From Coal Country to D . C .
Chris Williamson Protects Miners ’ Safety
ARIANNA WHITEHAIR U . S . MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
Growing up in the small coal mining community of Mingo County , WV , Chris Williamson , assistant secretary of labor for the U . S . Mine Safety and Health Administration ( MSHA ), is a tried-and-true Mountaineer . Even after moving to the Washington , D . C ., area , he continues to be mindful of his rich Appalachian roots and proud of his extensive coal mining lineage . Keeping his great grandfather ’ s old mining hat in a glass case behind his desk to serve as a reminder of where he came from , Williamson credits his humble upbringing as the primary source of his heartfelt passion for helping others .
“ Mining has always been a big part of my life ,” Williamson says . “ My great grandfather was a United Mine Workers of America coal miner for over 30 years . Coal mining is such an important part of not just the economy in Southern West
Virginia , but also its history and culture . I was raised by my grandfather . He still lives in the same home he built in the town of Dingess over 50 years ago . He taught me the value of hard work and public service .”
With a bachelor ’ s degree in political science and economics from West Virginia University ( WVU ), a Master of Public Policy from American University and a Juris Doctor from WVU College of Law , Williamson had always envisioned himself working in a capacity that was geared toward bettering the lives of others . When tragedy struck the Mountain State and the entire coal mining community on April 5 , 2010 , the day of the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster that killed 29 miners , Williamson knew he wanted to help ensure something like that would never happen again .
WWW . WVEXECUTIVE . COM SPRING 2023 61