WVFF Congratulates Executive Board Member Alys Smith on National Honor

WEST VIRGINIA (April 20, 2026) – The West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF) congratulates Executive Board Member Alys Smith on receiving the prestigious Four Chaplains Gold Medallion Award alongside her husband, Brad Smith.

Brad and Alys Smith are the first West Virginian couple to receive the honor and only the third couple nationally to be recognized, joining Bob Dole and Elizabeth Dole, as well as Morrill Worcester and Karen Worcester.

The Four Chaplains Gold Medallion Award is the highest honor presented by the Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation, recognizing individuals whose national or international leadership reflects self-sacrifice, unconditional service, and interfaith unity. It honors the legacy of the Four Chaplains who, during the sinking of the USAT Dorchester in 1943, gave their life jackets to fellow servicemen and linked arms in prayer as the ship went down.

“We are incredibly proud to see Alys recognized with this meaningful national honor,” said Jonathan Board, Executive Director of WVFF. “Her servant leadership, compassion, and commitment to creating opportunity for others reflect the very values this award represents. We are grateful for the wisdom and heart she brings to our Board and to communities across West Virginia.”

“We are deeply honored by this recognition,” said Alys Smith. “The example set by the Four Chaplains reminds us that the greatest impact often comes through selfless service to others. Brad and I remain committed to doing our part to help plant seeds today that will benefit the next generation tomorrow.”

WVFF is proud to celebrate Alys Smith’s leadership and service, both within the Foundation and throughout West Virginia.

For more information on WVFF, visit wvfirst.org.