Ed Gaunch is a native of Boone County, West Virginia. He was appointed in December 2018 by Governor Jim Justice to serve as the Cabinet Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Commerce.
Gaunch is a graduate of West Virginia State University where he double-majored in Economics and Political Science. Following graduation, he began a career in the insurance industry that spanned more than three decades and included 28 years at the Carson Agency in Charleston, where he served a number of years as President and Chief Executive Officer.
Secretary Gaunch has served on numerous boards and foundations, including the BBT/Charleston Board of Directors, the West Virginia State University Foundation, the Believe West Virginia Leadership Foundation, CAMC Foundation, Buckskin Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce, University of Charleston, Alderson Broaddus College, King College, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Kanawha Pastoral Counseling Center.
He is active in his church, Emmanuel Baptist, where he has served as a deacon and a Sunday School Teacher.
Secretary Gaunch currently resides in Charleston with Marilyn, his wife of more than 50 years. They have two children and five grandchildren.