James L. Laurita, Jr.

Born in Morgantown, James J. Laurita, Jr., began working in the family mining business at an early age and while attending West Virginia University. After receiving his bachelor's degree in mining engineering in 1982, he began working with MEPCO, a privately owned coal company located in Morgantown. While at MEPCO, Laurita held a series of jobs within the company, developing and managing surface and underground coal mining operations. In 1990, Laurita became president of MEPCO and expand company operations and developed a large quarry operation in southwestern Pennsylvania. In 2000, he became the chief executive officer. Laurita is married and has three sons.

MEPCO, LLC., has developed the 685 megawatt Longview mine mouth power plant operation located in Monongalia County, and is currently under construction. Longview will have taken nearly 15 years to develop and construct, and is the largest single project with respect to dollars spent in the history of West Virginia.