CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Board of Risk and Insurance Management (BRIM) announced today the selection of Melody Duke to serve as executive director, effective April 25, 2022.
A state employee for nearly 28 years, most of those with BRIM, Duke most recently served as the agency’s Deputy Director and Underwriting Manager. She brings an extensive wealth of knowledge and experience to the position.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead such a wonderful agency and to have a dedicated and hardworking staff,” Duke said. “My goal is to build on the achievements of this agency in serving the state of West Virginia.”
Duke will succeed Mary Jane Pickens, who has served as BRIM’s executive director since 2015.
“I am pleased to welcome Melody into the position of executive director,” said BRIM Chairman Joseph Price. “She has served within the organization for many years and has proven that she is an asset to BRIM and its programs. While we look forward to Melody's leadership, we wish Mary Jane all the best in her new endeavors.”
In addition to her wealth of knowledge, Duke brings strong leadership skills. “With Melody’s guidance, BRIM will no doubt be in wonderful hands,” said Cabinet Secretary Mark D. Scott of the Department of Administration, under which BRIM is organizationally structured. “I couldn’t be more pleased with her selection. Melody is a dedicated and valued employee, and I know this will be a seamless transition to new leadership.”
Duke is a 1996 graduate of West Virginia State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She also earned a post baccalaureate certificate in accounting in 2012.
The five-member board overseeing BRIM is appointed by the governor, with the executive director responsible for managing daily operations. BRIM’s primary responsibility is to provide casualty insurance coverage for state agencies. BRIM operates a similar insurance program for other public entities, including boards of education, county commissions, municipalities, other governmental entities, and many nonprofit organizations throughout the state. With the exception of boards of education which are mandated to obtain BRIM coverage, there are nearly 1,000 other public entities that voluntarily participate in this program, referred to as the Senate Bill #3 program.