form8k090527.htm

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): June 1, 2009 (May 27, 2009)

MASSEY ENERGY COMPANY

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware

(State of Incorporation)

1-7775

(Commission File Number)

95-0740960

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

4 North 4th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (804) 788-1800

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report date)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 5.02.

Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

Retirement of E. Gordon Gee

On May 27, 2009, E. Gordon Gee notified the Board of Directors (“Board”) of Massey Energy Company (the “Company”) that he will retire from the Board effective as of July 1, 2009. A copy of the press release announcing Mr. Gee’s retirement from the Board is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

99.1

Press Release, dated as of May 29, 2009 entitled, “Massey Thanks Gee for Service and Dedication.”

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

MASSEY ENERGY COMPANY

/s/ Richard R. Grinnan

By: Richard R. Grinnan

Its: Vice President and Corporate Secretary

Exhibit 99.1 Press Release dated May 29, 2009 entitled, “Massey Thanks Gee for Service and Dedication.”

For Immediate Release:

Friday, May 29, 2009

(304) 369-8500

Contact: Jeff Gillenwater

Massey Thanks Gee for Service and Dedication

University President to Focus Time and Energy on Ohio

Richmond, Va. May 29 -- Massey Energy (NYSE: MEE) Chairman and CEO Don L. Blankenship today announced that “after nearly nine years of exemplary service to the company,” The Ohio State University President, Dr. E. Gordon Gee, has decided to retire from the board of directors, effective July 1.

Given his responsibilities as the president of The Ohio State University, Blankenship explained, “Massey Energy appreciates and understands Dr. Gee's desire to devote his attention to Ohio. Since 2000, Dr. Gee has served Massey Energy with distinction. His wisdom, advice and experience will be greatly missed," said Blankenship.

In his retirement letter to Blankenship, Gee wrote, “My service on the Massey Board has provided me with a unique perspective to learn the problems and opportunities facing the nation’s energy sector. It has also given me the opportunity to work with people, both within the company, and on the Board, whom I appreciate and admire.”

"Gordon's service as a board member greatly contributed to the continuing success of Massey Energy," Mr. Blankenship added. “Massey Energy will continue to be well served by a board of directors whose distinguished members share a commitment to Massey, a devotion to public service and a history of extraordinary achievement in business and government.”

Blankenship said that Gee brought an important quality to the Massey board that is made up of a significant cross section of opinions on the important issues facing American energy producers today. “Coal is an essential, abundant American resource that keeps the national power grid humming,” Blankenship said. “We will certainly miss Gordon, who was a dynamic force in the free and open debate at our board meetings on our role as a major American energy force and how we can serve our nation.”

About Massey Energy Company:

Massey Energy Company, headquartered in Richmond, Va., with operations in West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia, is the fourth largest coal producer by revenue in the United States and is included in the S&P 500 Index.

###