Roger Calhoun Selected As New AARP WV State President

Roger Calhoun of Letart has been selected to serve as the next State President of AARP West Virginia. Calhoun will succeed outgoing State President Jane Marks of Charleston, who completes her six-year tenure as AARP’s lead state volunteer on December 31, 2025.

An AARP volunteer since 2020, Calhoun has more than 45 years of experience working in the government, regulatory and public policy arena. He spent his professional career working in resource management and administration with the U.S. Department of Interior, beginning his tenure of federal service with the National Park Service in 1974.

In 1978, he helped to establish the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), retiring from OSM in 2019 after having held several positions in five states including supervision and executive management.

During his federal government career, Calhoun administered a grant program which included the development of broadband infrastructure deployment projects to bring high-speed internet service to coalfield communities in the Appalachian region.

That experience, along with his background in grants administration and deep understanding of regulatory environments, was invaluable to Roger, as he continued his public service in a new role as a member of the West Virginia Broadband Enhancement Council, appointed in 2021 as a representative for residential users.

He also serves as a member of AARP West Virginia’s Capitol Advocacy Team and AARP West Virginia Executive Council.

A West Virginia native, Calhoun is a graduate of University High School and West Virginia University. He is an avid outdoorsman and a member of the Friends of the Cheat, Friends of Mill Creek, Trout Unlimited and West Virginia Bowhunters Association. He and his wife, Mary, enjoy visiting their grandchildren and family in Maine and camping with their son and daughter-in-law living in Nitro, West Virginia.

“Roger Calhoun is a passionate advocate who brings a wealth of management and public policy experience to this statewide volunteer leadership role within our organization,” said AARP West Virginia State Director Gaylene Miller.

“We thank Jane Marks for the outstanding leadership she has provided our volunteers and members across the Mountain State over the past six years, and we look forward to her continued volunteer service with our AARP Capitol Advocacy Team in the upcoming West Virginia legislative session.”

As AARP West Virginia President, Calhoun will articulate the positions and views of AARP in the Mountain State; provide leadership; and foster creativity and enthusiasm in AARP’s volunteers, members, and staff.

Additionally, he will represent AARP West Virginia and its members at key state and national meetings and events. He will serve as Chair of the State Executive Council, as well as partner with AARP State Director Gaylene Miller, staff and volunteers to help achieve AARP's vision, mission and strategic priorities within West Virginia.

—————————————————————

AARP WV Media Contact: Tom Hunter, 304-340-4605, tphunter@aarp.org