Who is wv state treasurer

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: The West Virginia State Treasurer is Riley Moore, who took office on January 16, 2025, after winning the November 2024 election. He succeeded former Treasurer John Perdue, who served from 2001 to 2025.

Key Facts

Riley Moore assumed office as West Virginia State Treasurer on January 16, 2025
Moore won the general election on November 5, 2024, defeating Democratic candidate Tracy Rowlett
John Perdue held the office from January 2001 to January 2025, making him the longest-serving treasurer in state history
The state treasurer serves a four-year term and is elected during midterm election years
The office manages over $13 billion in state funds and oversees unclaimed property programs

Overview

The West Virginia State Treasurer is a constitutional officer responsible for managing the state's finances, safeguarding public funds, and overseeing investment strategies. This elected position plays a critical role in ensuring fiscal transparency and accountability across state government operations.

As of January 2025, the office is held by Riley Moore, a Republican who succeeded long-serving Democrat John Perdue. The treasurer’s duties include disbursing state payments, managing cash flow, and administering programs like West Virginia’s 529 college savings plan and unclaimed property database.

Riley Moore was sworn in on January 16, 2025, following his victory in the November 2024 general election with approximately 52% of the vote.
Moore defeated Democrat Tracy Rowlett, who received about 45% of votes, in a race that highlighted differing views on fiscal management and transparency.
Former Treasurer John Perdue served from January 2001 to January 2025, making him the longest-serving officeholder in the position’s history at 24 years.
The treasurer oversees the investment of more than $13 billion in state assets, including operating funds and trust accounts, ensuring compliance with state statutes.
The office administers the West Virginia OneWallet program, which helps reunite residents with over $400 million in unclaimed property as of 2025.

How It Works

The West Virginia State Treasurer is elected by statewide vote and operates independently within the executive branch. The officeholder is responsible for financial stewardship and must adhere to strict legal and ethical guidelines.

Term: The state treasurer serves a four-year term with no term limits, beginning on the third Tuesday of January following the election. The most recent election was held in November 2024.
Eligibility requires the candidate to be a U.S. citizen, at least 25 years old, and a resident of West Virginia for three years prior to election.
The treasurer manages daily cash flow, ensuring state agencies receive timely payments while maximizing interest earnings on idle funds through short-term investments.
By law, the office must invest funds in accordance with the West Virginia Uniform Prudent Investor Act, prioritizing safety, liquidity, and return.
The treasurer chairs the State Treasurer’s Investment Committee, which approves investment policies and monitors portfolio performance quarterly.
The office administers the Smart529 college savings program, which had over $680 million in assets under management as of December 2024.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key aspects of the West Virginia State Treasurer’s office and similar positions in neighboring states:

State	Treasurer Name (2025)	Party	Term Length	Key Responsibilities
West Virginia	Riley Moore	Republican	4 years	Manages $13B+ in funds, oversees unclaimed property, administers 529 plan
Virginia	David Richardson	Republican	4 years	Invests state funds, manages debt, oversees local government deposits
Kentucky	Michael Bowman	Republican	4 years	Administers state checking, payroll, and investment portfolios
Ohio	Robert Sprague	Republican	4 years	Manages $10B+ in assets, runs unclaimed property program
Pennsylvania	Stacy Garrity	Republican	4 years	Oversees $40B+ in investments, administers 529 and ABLE programs

While responsibilities vary slightly, all state treasurers manage public funds and promote financial literacy. West Virginia’s office is notable for its relatively smaller asset base compared to larger states but maintains high efficiency in unclaimed property recovery and college savings participation.

Why It Matters

The role of state treasurer directly impacts residents through financial programs, transparency initiatives, and economic stability. Effective management of state funds ensures taxpayer money is secure and working efficiently.

The treasurer’s investment decisions affect the state’s ability to earn interest, potentially generating over $100 million annually in returns.
Unclaimed property programs reunite citizens with lost assets, with over $40 million claimed in 2024 alone.
Smart529 helps families save for education, with more than 45,000 active accounts as of early 2025.
Transparent reporting builds public trust, especially after audits revealed minor discrepancies in prior-year reconciliations.
The office collaborates with schools on financial literacy programs, reaching over 15,000 students annually.
As cybersecurity threats grow, the treasurer’s office has strengthened digital safeguards for state financial systems.

With increasing responsibilities in digital finance and public outreach, the West Virginia State Treasurer’s role continues to evolve as a cornerstone of fiscal responsibility and citizen service.