Michael Mitchem has been appointed the Executive Director of the King Coal
Highway Authority to act as the liaison to the West Virginia Division of
Highways, the public, and elected officials in promoting and advancing the
construction of the King Coal Highway I-73/74.
"One of my main goals is to keep in contact with the County Commissioners,
Economic Development directors, community organizations, and the public in
order to disseminate information about the progress of the highway,"
Mitchem says.
Mitchem is a native of southern West Virginia and has served the area in many venues. He is an active member of the McDowell County Board of
Education, and served as the Chief Appraiser for the McDowell County
Assessor's office for seven years. He is a former CIAD director in
McDowell County and played an instrumental role in developing and funding
for the new Iaeger High School, as well as other county schools located in the flood plain.
"I think this highway is vital to the families and economic well-being of southern West Virginia," Mitchem notes. "The people in this region are job marketable, job-ready, and willing to work hard when given the chance. This
highway will open the doors of opportunity for those living in the
southern counties."