Director, Dr. Rosemary Thomas
Our Director, Dr. Rosemary Thomas, is a native of Fairmont. She has been involved with RGS since attending as a citizen in 1985. Through the years, Rosemary has served as a junior counselor, instructor, recreation director, and assistant director prior to being elected director.
Dr. Thomas is a second-generation Girls State girl, and a third-generation member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She and her mother, Mary Jo Thomas (RGS ’62), remain very engaged and supportive of the program throughout the state and beyond. She believes RGS is among the finest programs available for young women to learn about our government, grow as leaders and engaged citizens and enhance their understanding of the appreciation we must have for our Veterans.
Assistant Director, Kate Garlick
Our assistant director, Kate Garlick, is a native of Burton. She has been involved with RGS since attending as a citizen in 2003. Kate has served as junior counselor, senior counselor, and nationalist party consultant before being elected to assistant director in 2020.
Ms. Garlick is a first-generation Girls State girl and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Garlick is responsible for staffing and instruction coordination and oversees the elections process throughout the week. She is passionate about the program and firmly believes RGS is among the most exemplary programs available for young women to grow as leaders while enhancing their understanding of government and how important it is to support and appreciate our Veterans.
Registrar, Laura Clark
Laura Clark is a lifelong advocate for veterans, patriotism, and youth leadership through her decades of dedicated service to the American Legion Auxiliary. A third-generation member since 1988, she proudly continues a family legacy of service inspired by her grandfather, a Korean War veteran.
Laura has held leadership offices at every level of the organization—local, district, department, and national serving in a variety of elected and appointed roles and chairing numerous committees throughout her Auxiliary career. Her service includes roles such as Unit President, District President, Department Membership Chairman, Department National Security Chairman, and Department of West Virginia President (2024–2025). At the national level, she has contributed as Central Division Americanism Chairman, supporting programs that promote patriotism and civic responsibility.
Her commitment to civic education began when she attended American Legion Auxiliary Girls State in 1992 while living in Kentucky. That legacy continued when her daughter attended Rhododendron Girls State in 2019 and was elected Governor, reflecting the program’s powerful generational impact.
Through sustained leadership, committee service, and mentorship, Laura Clark remains dedicated to advancing the mission and values of the American Legion Auxiliary.
All three of the ladies work year-round to ensure a successful and awesome experience for our Girls State citizens.
Volunteers
During the week, there are nearly 30 other volunteers involved as counselors, party leaders, instructors, office crew and country store workers.