About the Foundation

Mission Statement: 

Empowering West Virginians to prevent substance use disorder, support recovery, and save lives.

Vision Statements: 

  • We envision a West Virginia where hope and opportunity rise above addiction. A future where communities, families, and youth thrive.

  • We envision a West Virginia where education equips our people to make informed choices and where strong social support lifts up those at risk.

  • We envision a West Virginia where support and services are available to all, treatment is delivered with compassion, and recovery is celebrated with unwavering support.

  • We envision a West Virginia where stigma and isolation is replaced by non-judgmental access to compassionate care and resources.

  • We envision a West Virginia that is focused on sustainable, outcome-driven solutions that are tailored to address the unique challenges facing our people.

  • This is the West Virginia we fight for: a future free from the grip of addiction, where every individual has the chance to heal, contribute, and thrive.

Guiding Principles: 

  • Investing to save lives.

  • We will focus on projects and priorities that supplement or make initial investments and not supplant existing funding. Our efforts will be focused on adding to—rather than replacing—existing spending.

  • Invest in areas of need with the greatest potential for positive impact.

  • We will invest funds in communities that have lacked sufficient resources to address substance use issues and who have and are now experiencing substantial increases in overdoses.

  • Invest in youth substance use prevention.

  • We will invest in programs to support our children, youth, and families with long-term investments in effective programs and strategies for community change.

  • Develop a fair, transparent process on where to spend funding.

  • We will develop a fair, transparent process, with engagement with public health leaders and active engagement of people and families with drug-overdose experiences, clinicians, as well as other key groups.

  • Be uninhibited by prior practices.

  • Too many times, West Virginians have done the same things over and over yet expected different results. We will not limit our minds, our hearts, or our wisdom by previous practices but instead strive to undertake new and innovative efforts to change the trajectory of West Virginia.

  • Focus on outcomes.

  • We will set tangible, measurable goals and focus on outcomes in order to maximize effectiveness. We will define and pursue specific outcomes for the problems we identify and choose to tackle. If it works, we continue. If it is not as effective as planned, we learn and pivot.

  • Use evidence to guide spending.

  • We will ground our work in the substantial body of evidence developed by researchers, clinicians, and our communities relating to what works and what does not.

  • Serving others by listening and leading.

  • We will lead by listening deeply to the needs of frontline entities and seeking insights from many perspectives. Keeping our hearts and minds open is vital to being bold and nimble advocates for entities and the people they serve.

  • Innovation and speed.

  • We will move quickly and continuously to innovate our approach in response to the needs of the people we work with and the communities we are part of.

  • Implement the West Virginia First Foundation sandbox.

  • We will be thought leaders and invest in promising new ideas and programs, with support to grow and nurture innovation, creative thinking, and outside-the-box solutions.

  • Leverage other resources.

  • We will seek to leverage other sources of funding to increase the reach and impact of the Foundation.

Our Purpose

West Virginia First Foundation, Inc., was created pursuant to the terms, provisions, and principles stated in the West Virginia First Memorandum of Understanding (the “MOU”) entered into amongst the State of West Virginia, counties, cities, villages, and towns located within the geographic boundaries of the State of West Virginia. The MOU directed that the State and Local Governments create a separate and private section 501(c)(3) foundation for the purpose of receiving and disbursing Opioid Funds and other purposes set forth in the MOU, the Foundation’s Articles of Incorporations, and the Foundation’s Bylaws. More specifically, some of the purposes of the Corporation are as follows:

A. To Promote Health and Safety of West Virginians

To promote the health and safety of West Virginians by implementing evidence-based strategies, programming and/or services used to (i) expand the availability of treatment for individuals affected by substance use disorders and/or addiction; (ii) develop, promote and provide evidence-based substance use prevention strategies; (iii) provide substance use avoidance and awareness education; (iv) engage in enforcement to curtail the sale, distribution, promotion or use of opioids and other drugs; and (v) decrease the oversupply of licit and illicit opioids and (vi) to support recovery from addiction to be performed by qualified providers.

B. To Advocate for the Interests of West Virginians

To advocate for the interests of West Virginians by working with the State of West Virginia, and its counties, cities, villages, etc., to determine the best way to provide West Virginians with the programs and services described in Section A above.

C. To Promote a Fully Interoperable Statewide Network

To promote the design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of a fully interoperable statewide network to facilitate the best use of abatement funds and information in West Virginia.

D. To Fund Programs and Services

To fund the programs and services described in Section A above by disbursing through a competitive grant process funds to private organizations and government agencies engaged in such programs.

Articles of Incorporation

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By-laws of WVFF

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Dr. Michael A. (Tony) Kelly, MD, FACEP, is a seasoned healthcare executive and emergency medicine physician with over four decades of experience in medical management, clinical excellence, and frontline emergency care. A Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians and board-certified in Emergency Medicine since 1988, Dr. Kelly has played a critical role in shaping healthcare delivery in West Virginia and beyond. Throughout his career, he has led efforts in physician staffing, medical billing, and contract negotiations, serving in leadership roles such as President & CEO of multiple healthcare organizations. His long-standing service as Director of the Emergency Department and Chief of Staff at Raleigh General Hospital, along with his leadership at Welch Community Hospital, has made him a pillar of the medical community in Southern West Virginia.

A dedicated advocate for solutions to the opioid crisis, Dr. Kelly has spent over 40 years on the front lines of emergency medicine in the coalfields of Southern West Virginia, witnessing firsthand the devastating toll of substance use disorder on individuals, families, and communities. He believes that the West Virginia First Foundation has the tools, experience, and commitment to make a meaningful impact in addressing this crisis and improving the future of West Virginians. As a proud resident since 1983, he embraces the "Wild and Wonderful" spirit of the state and cherishes the time spent with his children and grandchildren, all of whom call Southern West Virginia home. Dr. Kelly is honored to contribute his expertise to initiatives that foster recovery, prevention, and a healthier West Virginia for generations to come.

Dr. Matthew Christiansen is a dual-board certified physician and public health leader dedicated to improving the well-being of West Virginians through innovative healthcare and addiction recovery initiatives. As the Vice President of Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at Valley Health Systems, he oversees clinical operations and public health outreach across a vast network of healthcare providers. Previously, he served as the State Health Officer for West Virginia, and before that, as Director of the WV Office of Drug Control Policy, spearheading transformative health initiatives such as first in its kind overdose prediction models and state-wide anti-vaping campaigns. His extensive experience includes leadership roles in addiction treatment, medical education, and policy development, having testified before both the U.S. Congress and the West Virginia Legislature on critical public health and addiction issues. As Vice Chair of the West Virginia First Foundation, Dr. Christiansen continues to drive systemic change in the state’s response to substance use disorder, ensuring that recovery remains a priority in both policy and practice.

A lifelong outdoorsman and devoted family man, Dr. Christiansen finds inspiration in the natural beauty of West Virginia, where he and his wife, Breanna Shell—Planning Director for the City of Huntington—are raising their three children, twins Henry and Theodore, and their youngest, Juniper. Together, they enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and spending as much time as they can on their farm, where he also makes maple syrup. His deep-rooted commitment to West Virginia extends beyond his professional work—he believes that the state’s future is tied to hope, resilience, and the ability to create sustainable solutions for both economic and public health challenges. Driven by his passion for addiction medicine and rural health, he remains at the forefront of efforts to transform West Virginia into a place where recovery, opportunity, and well-being thrive for future generations.

With more than a dozen years of experience working with individuals affected by opioid and substance use disorder, Jon Dower brings both professional and lived experience to his role as Executive Director of WVSL Solutions, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting West Virginians facing mental health challenges, including addiction. He also serves as an adjunct professor at West Virginia University in the School of Counseling and Wellbeing, where he specializes in addiction services. As the president of the West Virginia Association of Addiction and Prevention Professionals, Jon has played an active role in shaping policy, previously serving on the Governor’s Council of Substance Misuse and Prevention and as Vice President of the Alliance of Recovery Residences. His expertise is supported by a Master’s in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from WVU and numerous certifications, including the Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification.

A third-generation West Virginian, Jon is deeply committed to his community and to the fight against addiction. His personal journey of recovery from substance use disorder and passion for service drive his involvement with the West Virginia First Foundation. Married to Rachel and a proud father to their son, Cooper, Jon balances professional responsibilities with a dedication to family life and active participation in community sports. In addition to his work in addiction services, he is an experienced catering company owner with over 25 years in the commercial food service industry. Through his work with the West Virginia First Foundation, Jon is focused on making West Virginia a leader in addiction prevention and recovery, driven by a hope that future generations will not have to endure the pain caused by the opioid crisis.

Mayor Tom Joyce brings a wealth of experience in public service, healthcare administration, and economic development to the West Virginia First Foundation Board. A lifelong resident of West Virginia, he has dedicated his career to improving the well-being of his community. Before becoming Mayor of Parkersburg in 2017, he spent over two decades in healthcare and EMS administration, providing him with firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by those affected by the opioid crisis. In addition to his role in public office, Mayor Joyce is a business owner in residential real estate and an active member of organizations such as the Knights of Columbus Council 594 and the West Virginia Farm Bureau. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Marshall University and two master’s degrees from West Virginia University in Industrial Relations and Safety & Environmental Management.

Deeply committed to the future of West Virginia, Mayor Joyce joined the West Virginia First Foundation Board to help address the devastating impact of the opioid crisis on his hometown and beyond. He recognizes the profound toll the crisis has taken on the state’s workforce, making it increasingly difficult to find and retain motivated, qualified employees across all industries. As a board member, he hopes to see the Foundation prioritize prevention initiatives that equip young West Virginians with the tools to avoid substance misuse, ultimately fostering a healthier, more resilient state. An avid outdoorsman, Mayor Joyce enjoys hunting, fishing, beekeeping, and farming—further reinforcing his deep-rooted connection to West Virginia and his commitment to preserving its future.

Tim Czaja has spent nearly 20 years working in substance abuse treatment within the corrections system. After earning a BA in Psychology from the University of Valley Forge, he facilitated a Therapeutic Community in Dauphin County Prison in Harrisburg, PA, before returning to Martinsburg, WV, where he now serves as Director of Berkeley County Community Corrections. In this role, he oversees the Day Report Center, Home Confinement Program, Community Service Program, and Recovery Resource Center. Tim’s personal experience with opioid addiction as a teenager informs his deep commitment to the recovery field. After years of struggling with heroin addiction, he found freedom through the faith-based program Teen Challenge, and since then, has dedicated his life to helping others overcome addiction.

Tim is honored to serve on the West Virginia First Foundation Board of Directors, knowing first hand the devastating toll of substance use disorder. He is deeply passionate about his mission to support individuals and families impacted by addiction, particularly in West Virginia’s eastern panhandle. Outside of his work, Tim’s life revolves around his faith and family. He and his wife, Michelle, have three children—Emily, Katelyn, and Jonathan—who are active in school, sports, 4H, and their church. As a family, they enjoy outdoor activities and raising animals on their small farm. Tim’s guiding belief is that as long as there is a heartbeat, there is hope, and he is committed to providing opportunities for those suffering from addiction to find freedom and a new path forward.

Dr. Steven Corder serves as the Medical Director of Northwood Health Systems in West Virginia’s northern panhandle, where he is deeply involved in patient care, focusing on both acute and chronic illnesses, including severe and persistent mental health conditions. Over his career, Dr. Corder has worked with a diverse range of patients, including inmates in West Virginia regional jails. His involvement with treating substance use disorder (SUD) began during his medical residency, where he worked in a traditional 28-day inpatient program. As the opioid crisis intensified, he shifted his focus toward developing and implementing comprehensive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs for opioid use disorder. His medical expertise is rooted in his education at West Virginia University, where he earned a Board of Regents degree and later graduated from WVU School of Medicine. He completed a combined five-year residency in Internal Medicine and Psychiatry at Charleston Area Medical Center, leading to his board certifications in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine.

Dr. Corder joined the board of the West Virginia First Foundation with a mission to make a meaningful impact in addressing the opioid epidemic. Having witnessed the devastation caused by addiction firsthand, both through his patients and within his own community, he understands the urgent need for effective, compassionate solutions. He has seen how opioid use has dominated admissions to crisis units and the personal toll it has taken on families, friends, and survivors. Dr. Corder believes that his decades of experience in treating individuals with SUD, combined with his formal training, position him to contribute to decisions that can help alleviate the ongoing crisis in West Virginia. In his personal life, Dr. Corder has three adult children and is a proud grandfather of four grandchildren. He and his fiancée enjoy cooking, trivia, reading, and movies. Dedicated to living a healthy, fulfilling life, he remains committed to enriching the lives of his patients, friends, and family. Dr. Corder is optimistic about the work of the West Virginia First Foundation, believing that through collective effort and shared values, the foundation can create a lasting positive impact on the state’s future.