David Zatezalo, a former coal mining executive from West Virginia, will be President Trump’s nominee for assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. In that role, he will head up the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).
Zatezalo has a long career of experience in mining, and has seen the industry from both the union and management sides. According to the biography released by the White House, he began mining in 1974 as a union miner. He then rose through the ranks at various companies to work as a foreman, superintendent, vice president of operations and CEO, among other positions.
Over his career, he worked for Consolidation Coal Company, Southern Ohio Coal Company and Windsor Coal Company. Most recently, between 2007 and 2014, Zatezalo served in a number of roles at Rhino Resources, including as its president, CEO and COO. He is a past chairman of the Ohio Coal Association and member of Mine Rescue Veterans of Pittsburgh.
Zatezalo is both a mining engineer and professional engineer. He received his mining engineering degree from West Virginia University. He also has an MBA from Ohio University.
“Our industry has a demonstrated commitment to safety and a track record of positively working with MSHA,” said Laura O’Neill-Kaumo, National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association senior vice president of government and regulatory affairs. “We look forward to working with the new administrator, once confirmed.”