Existing director Cecil Phillips – known throughout the industry as CA – has tendered his notice of retirement to West Viriginia governor Earl Ray Tomblin, effective from December 31.

Phillips has been director since August 2011 and was previously acting director for about a year.

He is a former miner and United Mine Workers of America safety representative.

Phillips took over in November 2010 during the investigation of the Upper Big Branch mine disaster when Ron Wooten resigned.

He also helped investigate the 2006 explosion that killed 12 men at the Sago Mine and a fire weeks later that killed two at the Aracoma Alma No.1 mine.

The McDowell County native has worked in and around the coal industry since 1969.