Tia Welch is a native of Charleston WV and attended Kanawha County Schools. She is a first-generation college graduate. Governor Jim Justice appointed Welch to serve as director of the West Virginia Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office, effective March 14, 2019. Prior to this position, Welch served as an Employer Engagement Specialist for Goodwill Industries of Kanawha Valley for nine months. Before moving into that role, she worked for the Charleston Job Corps Center in various roles for nearly 20 years, improving the center’s public image through public relations, restructuring the Community Relations and Workforce Industry
Councils, establishing business and community partnerships and networking. Welch also served on regional Workforce Development Boards, Executive Committees and Youth Councils including serving as chair. In her role as EEO Director, Welch will work to increase state agencies’ understanding of and
compliance with equal employment laws and practices to prevent workplace harassment and discrimination; increase education and outreach efforts through various trainings, literature, and materials; and collaborate with other state agencies, higher education, and community organizations to promote diversity and inclusion and eliminate barriers to employment. Since her arrival, Welch has met with many state agency directors and officials, conducted EEO trainings, held an EEO Coordinator’s meeting, updated and released agency annual reports, revised the Procedure for Handling EEO Complaints signed by Governor Justice and scheduled
the 2019 Annual EEO Conference. Welch holds a master’s degree in theology from Freedom Bible College, a Bachelor of Science degree from West Virginia State University, and a ministerial ordination from the Heart of God Ministries International Fellowship of Churches. Her passion extends into the community where she gives back through membership in the Rotary Club of South Charleston, GFWC Women’s Club of Charleston, Charleston Lions Club, Fair Shake Network, Salvation Army Advisory Council, TMG and African American Philanthropy In Action. Welch is wife to Roy Antron Welch, devoted mother and nana. In addition, she is the Senior Pastor of Heart of God Charleston.
