Governor Cecil H. Underwood brings a unique historical perspective and a progressive vision for the future to his office.  He was first elected governor in 1956, as the youngest person ever to hold the state's highest office, and re-elected 40 years later as the most senior governor in the history of the state.

In the 40 years between elections, Governor Underwood provided leadership in education as a college president and board chairman, worked as an executive in both the coal and chemical industries, presided over the creation of the technology-centered Software Valley and served on several charitable foundations and boards.

As Governor, he has established five key areas of focus for his administration.  By making improvements in technology, job creation efforts, education, government efficiency and health care delivery, He is committed to improve the lives of West Virginians.

During his first term, Gov. Underwood laid the foundation for the state's interstate highway system, paving the way for economic diversification and development in West Virginia.  Now, as the state's leading advocate of technology, he is paving the way for the state to maximize its economic potential in the Information Age through West Virginia's technology superhighway system.

Underwood currently serves as the state co-chairman of the Appalachian Regional Commission and has served as chairman of the Southern Technology Council, the Southern Growth Policies Board, the Southern States Energy Board, the National Education Goals Panel and the Southern Regional Education Board. He is also a member of the board of directors for the Jobs for America's Graduates program.

Governor Underwood is a native of Tyler County where he attended public schools. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Salem College, a Master of Arts degree from West Virginia University and has been awarded 13 honorary doctoral degrees from American colleges and universities.

Underwood and his wife, Hovah, maintain a home in Huntington and are the parents of three grown children and grandparents of six.