Morgantown Officials Announced New Appointments

The city council swore in a new ward representative and introduced the airport director.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a clock tower and civic rooftops, evoking stable local government administration. — Morgantown city officials appointed Gail Taylor as Seventh Ward representative and introduced Brian Belcher as the new municipal airport director on Tuesday. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Gail Taylor has taken office as the Seventh Ward representative on the Morgantown City Council. Additionally, Brian Belcher was formally introduced as the new director of the Morgantown Municipal Airport.

Why it matters

These appointments fill key vacancies in local governance and municipal infrastructure management. The changes ensure leadership continuity for both city council operations and airport oversight in the community.

Gail Taylor will serve the remainder of a council term set to expire on June 30, 2027. Meanwhile, the new airport director brings over 40 years of aviation industry experience to the municipal role.

The players

Gail Taylor

She is the newly sworn-in Seventh Ward representative on the Morgantown City Council and previously served on the city's Cultural Arts Commission.

Brian Belcher

He is the director of the Morgantown Municipal Airport who previously held positions at West Virginia International Yeager Airport and other major hubs.

Christine Wade

She serves as the Morgantown City Clerk and was responsible for administering the oath of office to the new council representative.

The details

City Clerk Christine Wade administered the oath of office to Gail Taylor during the Tuesday city council meeting. Brian Belcher, the new airport director, was presented to the council following his move into the leadership role earlier this summer.

Summer 2026: Brian Belcher assumed his role as airport director.
October 6, 2026: Gail Taylor was sworn into office at the council meeting.
June 30, 2027: The council term for the Seventh Ward seat expires.

Market Landscape

These appointments reflect the ongoing administrative transition within the Morgantown city government structure. The move aligns with the city's efforts to fill vacant municipal roles under the guidelines of the Morgantown City Charter.

Residents of the Seventh Ward will now be represented by Gail Taylor for all city council matters through 2027. Travelers using the local airport may notice new operational adjustments under the leadership of the recently appointed director.

The takeaway

Filling these positions ensures that essential city functions continue to operate without disruption for the public. Residents can expect the new leadership to prioritize their respective council and municipal infrastructure responsibilities.