WVFF Announces Re-Election of Region 5 Board Member

WEST VIRGINIA (November 10, 2026) – The West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF) has announced the re-election of Dr. Matthew Christiansen to its Board of Directors, representing Region 5.

Christiansen, who currently serves as Vice Chair of the WVFF Board of Directors, was re-selected by regional representatives during an election held virtually on November 10.

As outlined in the Foundation’s founding documents, the WVFF Board of Directors consists of 11 members, including six regionally elected representatives and five Governor-appointed members. Regional elections are conducted by elected local officials, including representatives from counties, municipalities and towns within each WVFF region. The process is governed under the terms of the original litigation settlement and is not controlled by the West Virginia First Foundation itself, but rather administered and overseen by the settlement administrator, Smith, Cochran & Hicks.

“Dr. Christiansen brings a unique perspective to our Board of Directors, combining his experience in medicine, public health and statewide leadership with a deep understanding of the challenges facing West Virginia,” said Jonathan Board, Executive Director of WVFF. “His leadership as Vice Chair and continued commitment to Region 5 have been valuable to the Foundation, and we appreciate his willingness to continue serving West Virginians in this capacity.”

Dr. Christiansen currently serves as Vice President of Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at Valley Health Systems, where he oversees clinical operations and public health outreach. Previously, he served as West Virginia’s State Health Officer and Director of the West Virginia Office of Drug Control Policy, leading statewide initiatives focused on substance use disorder, overdose prevention and public health.

Dr. Christiansen has served on the WVFF Board since its formation and currently serves as Vice Chair, helping guide the Foundation’s efforts to responsibly invest opioid settlement funds in prevention, treatment and recovery. His background in both clinical care and statewide policy continues to bring valuable insight to the Board’s work, with a focus on evidence-based strategies, measurable outcomes and building a healthier future for West Virginians.

For more information about WVFF and its Board of Directors, visit wvfirst.org.