Denise Morrisey
Denise Morrisey | |
|---|---|
| First Lady of West Virginia | |
Current | |
| Assumed role January 13, 2025 | |
| Governor | Patrick Morrisey |
| Preceded by | Cathy Justice |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 5, 1964 Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Spouse | Patrick Morrisey |
| Children | 1 |
| Education | George Washington University (BA) |
Denise Morrisey (née Henry; born June 5, 1964) is an American lobbyist who has served as the first lady of West Virginia since 2025. She is a founding member of the lobbying firm Capitol Counsel, based in Washington, D.C.[1]
She is the wife of West Virginia governor Patrick Morrisey.
Early life and education
Morrisey was born on June 5, 1964 in Omaha, Nebraska.[2] She graduated from George Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts.[2]
Career
Morrisey founded Strategic Health Solutions, a boutique and consulting firm in 2002.[3] She is also a co-founder of The Legislative Strategies Group, a healthcare practice firm focused on pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices.[3]
Morrisey lobbied on opioids for Cardinal Health, the state of West Virginia's lead opioid supplier, from 1999 to 2016,[4] which became the subject of controversy and media conspiracies regarding possible family ties to Big Pharma.[5]
In 2018, it was revealed that Planned Parenthood had paid Morrisey more than $460,000 for lobbying.[6]
Morrisey became first lady of West Virginia when her husband, Patrick Morrisey, was sworn in as the 37th governor of West Virginia on January 13, 2025, after being elected in the 2024 West Virginia gubernatorial election.[7]
Personal life
She is married to Patrick Morrisey, current governor of West Virginia.[8] They have one daughter, Julia.[8] She resided solely in Northern Virginia for a short period,[9] but the family resided in Jefferson County, West Virginia.[2] She currently lives in the West Virginia Governor's Mansion.
References
- ^ Gregory, Ron (May 25, 2023). "Millions Paid To Patrick Morrisey's Wife's Firm by Pro-Abortion and Anti-Gun Groups". WV Statewide.
- ^ a b c "Denise Morrisey - Capitol Counsel LLC - Biography". LegiStorm.
- ^ a b "Denise Morrisey – Capitol Counsel". capitolcounsel.com.
- ^ writer, Eric Eyre Staff (April 28, 2018). "Morrisey's wife lobbied on opioids for drug firm, disclosures say". Charleston Gazette-Mail.
- ^ admin (July 13, 2018). "Patrick Morrisey Is Still Raking In Cash From Big Pharma". American Bridge PAC.
- ^ Eyre, Eric (May 7, 2017). "Planned Parenthood paid Morrisey's wife's firm $460K for lobbying". Charleston Gazette-Mail.
- ^ "West Virginia Governor Election 2024 Live Results: Patrick Morrisey Wins". NBC News. January 9, 2025.
- ^ a b "About the Governor | WV Office of the Governor Patrick Morrisey". governor.wv.gov.
- ^ McElhinny, Brad (October 12, 2016). "Morrisey's wife says political ad crosses the line". WV MetroNews.