WVFF Board Approves Initial Opportunity Grants, Announces Supplemental Round, and Elects Officers for 2025

by | Dec 12, 2024 | Press Releases

WEST VIRGINIA (December 12, 2024) – The West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF) held its annual meeting today, where the Board voted on the Initial Opportunity Grants (IOG), announced a supplemental grant period and elected new officers for 2025. 

Earlier this year, WVFF launched the Initial Opportunity Grant (IOG) program to support opioid crisis initiatives. Of the 174 applications received, after intake and scoring, the Board approved funding totaling $10.4 million and further announced a supplemental round to reach its original goal of $19.2 million. 

Introducing the IOG Supplemental Round

Recognizing West Virginia’s value of second chances, WVFF is offering applicants who did not get funded in this first disbursement of the IOG the opportunity to address application deficiencies and reapply for the remaining $8.8 million. These applicants will receive notice before the end of the year and work with WVFF staff directly on how to meet necessary criteria. All grant-seekers from the initial round whose submissions were not funded are eligible to participate. Applicants must have submitted their initial applications by the original deadline (October 5, 2024). 

The supplemental round reflects WVFF’s commitment to West Virginia’s recovery, resilience, and collaborative spirit in addressing the opioid crisis. It demonstrates the Foundation’s understanding of the complexities of grant applications while ensuring the integrity of the funds through rigorous safeguards. This initiative furthers WVFF’s mission to combat the opioid epidemic and strengthens its role as a leader in equitable, impactful grantmaking. All who applied for the Initial Opportunity Grant will be notified of status before the end of the year. 

“The opioid crisis has left a devastating mark on West Virginia, and we are entrusted with ensuring these funds create real, measurable change,” said Jonathan Board, Executive Director of the West Virginia First Foundation. “This process upholds our fiduciary duty, maintains rigorous checks and balances to protect the integrity of the funds and reinforces our commitment to responsible stewardship. We’re excited to expand opportunities for applicants through this supplemental round and celebrate those who successfully completed the application process. These applicants will now have timely access to funding, enabling them to begin making the critical changes needed to address the opioid crisis in West Virginia.”

With the initial $10.4 million in grant funding approved at the meeting, the announcement of $8.8 million supplemental round, and the direct funding of $20 million allocated for ACCORN (Accelerated Collaborative Community Outreach and Recovery Network), WVFF is proud to announce nearly $40 million in total funding commitments made over the past week.

“Our ultimate goal is to save lives and restore families,” added Matt Harvey, Chairman of the Board. “This supplemental round ensures that organizations that experienced challenges during the first round have an opportunity to succeed while maintaining the integrity and accountability of the process. This wraps up an incredibly exciting week following the ACCORN announcement, reflecting the hard work and dedication of the WVFF Board and staff to make meaningful change and support our communities in addressing the opioid crisis.”

Election of Officers and Completion of Administrative Team

During the meeting, WVFF held its election of officers. These elected officers will lead the Foundation in its mission to transform the state’s approach to substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery:

  • Chair: Matthew Harvey
  • Vice-Chair: Dr. Matthew Christiansen
  • Treasurer: Jeff Sandy
  • Secretary: Dora Stutler

In addition to the formation of the Executive Committee, WVFF announced that its administrative staff is now complete. The team includes:

  • Jessicah Cross, Chief of Staff
  • Rachel Thaxton, Director of Support Operations 
  • Danin Cather, Chief Marketing Officer
  • Romeo Tan, Chief Operating Officer
  • Anthony Woods, Chief Financial Officer

Looking Ahead

The Foundation’s decisions during its annual meeting mark the beginning of a transformative journey for West Virginia. By empowering local organizations and fostering innovative approaches to substance use disorder prevention and recovery, WVFF is paving the way for a brighter future for the Mountain State. For additional information, visit the Foundation’s website at wvfirst.org.

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.