William B. Raney

William B. Raney is president of the West Virginia Coal Association.

Raney graduated from WVU with a bachelor's degree in biology in 1970 and a master's degree in public administration in 1973.

The Bluefield native was appointed president of the West Virginia Coal Association, Inc. in 1992. Located in Charleston, the WVCA is a trade association representing more than 90 percent of the state's underground and surface coal mine production and its related supply and service industries. Its purpose is to have a unified voice representing the state's coal industry as well as increase emphasis on coal as a reliable energy source to help the nation achieve energy independence.

Between 1977 and 1992, Raney served as vice president of the West Virginia Mining and Reclamation Association. Prior to that, he worked for the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, holding several positions including reclamation inspector and assistant chief of the reclamation division.

In addition, Raney has given 30 years of service through the West Virginia Army National Guard in a variety of capacities including aide-de-camp to the adjutant general, platoon leader and company commander, commander of the 1092nd Engineer Battalion and commander of the 111th Engineer Group. He currently serves as special assistant to the adjutant general, state of West Virginia.

Raney's professional and community activities include: chairman of the West Virginia Business and Industry Council, member of the DEP Advisory Committee, board of Miner Training, Education and Certification, Commission of the Future of the West Virginia Judicial System, Governor's Energy Task Force, board member of the West Virginia Youth in Government, chairman and board member of West Virginia Kids Count and executive committee of the Boy Scouts of America, Buckskin Council.

Raney and his wife, Pam, reside in South Charleston. They are the parents of two children, Chris and Michelle.