Wheeling Mayor Andy McKenzie was chosen as the West Virginia Municipal League Mayor of the Year for 2015 this week. An alumnus of West Liberty University, McKenzie is a loyal Hilltopper and served as Commencement speaker at the December 2012 ceremony.
He is the first Wheeling mayor to be honored with this award since the program’s inception in 1988.
“We congratulate Mayor McKenzie and are proud to claim him as one of our illustrious alumni. Andy has carried our WLU flag as a highly effective state senator, as a successful investment professional and now as the Mayor of Wheeling,” said WLU Interim President Dr. John P. McCullough.
After graduating from West Liberty University, McKenzie received his MBA from West Virginia University. He also received an honorary doctoral degree from WLU in 2012. In addition, he holds two certifications – CRPS (Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist) and AAMS (Accredited Asset Management Specialist).
Besides serving as mayor, McKenzie is employed as a financial advisor. He also has served as a Senator with the West Virginia Legislature from 1996-2008 where he held the positions of Minority Whip for the 73rd, 74th, 75th, 76th and 77th Legislatures.
McKenzie was elected to his first four-year term as mayor of Wheeling in 2008 and re-elected for a second term in 2012. While in office he’s led City Council in enacting legislation that has impacted not only Wheeling, but the state of West Virginia, on topics including vacant and dilapidated structure code, municipal fees restructuring, sales tax incentives and business tax reduction.
Together, McKenzie and Wheeling’s Council have successfully addressed the city’s police and fire pension stability issues. He’s championed efficient and cost-effective local government and, through a tenured and productive political career, established himself as a strong voice for the Wheeling community at both the local and state levels, stressing the importance of cities in the overall vitality of West Virginia. He has been very active in lobbying for Home Rule issues at the Legislature and has visited many municipalities throughout the state speaking about the Home Rule process.
His community activities include serving on the executive board of Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, the Regional Economic Development Partnership and Workforce West Virginia. He’s also a member of Ohio County Development Authority, Ohio Valley Construction Employers Council Board, Bel-O-Mar Regional Transportation Board, the American Council of Young Political Leaders and Wheeling Lions Club, and also was part of the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Wheeling Class of 1991.
He advanced to president of the board of directors for the West Virginia Municipal League during its 46th annual meeting, held Aug. 3-6 at Wheeling’s Oglebay Park.
He and his wife, Carrie, have three children.
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