WVFF Vice Chair Dr. Matthew Christiansen Speaks at SXSW on the Role of Opioid Settlement Foundations in Addressing Public Health Issues

by | Mar 12, 2025 | Press Releases

WEST VIRGINIA (March 12, 2025) – Dr. Matthew Christiansen, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF) and Chief Medical Officer of Valley Health Systems, Inc., took the stage at the prestigious South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference last week, lending his expertise to a critical conversation on decentralizing public health.

Dr. Christiansen joined an esteemed panel of thought leaders at The FINNxhumble House, a premier SXSW gathering of innovators, policymakers, and visionaries in health and education. The panel, titled “Decentralizing Public Health,” examined how collaboration and innovation can drive sustainable health solutions beyond crisis-mode responses. Moderated by Leslie Kirk, CEO of Innsena, the discussion featured experts from the CDC Foundation, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, and Zorya Foundation.

During the session, Dr. Christiansen emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in public health funding and strategy, stating,”Despite major investments, we haven’t seen the expected progress. Why aren’t we funding prevention the way we fund treatment?”

SXSW is renowned as a global epicenter for groundbreaking ideas, start-ups, and forward-thinking leaders, making it an ideal venue for critical discussions about the future of public health. This event highlights Dr. Christiansen’s role as a national public health and addiction thought leader and his participation at SXSW underscores WVFF’s commitment to leading bold, evidence-based strategies to address substance use disorder and public health challenges, both in West Virginia and beyond.

WVFF Executive Director Jonathan Board praised Dr. Christiansen for his expertise and leadership on the national stage. “Dr. Christiansen continues to be a driving force in rethinking how we approach public health. His insights at SXSW not only reinforce West Virginia’s role in shaping innovative solutions but also highlight the critical need for sustainable, prevention-focused strategies. We are incredibly proud to have him representing WVFF and our state at such a prestigious event.”

To learn more about WVFF, visit www.wvfirst.org. 

Matthew Harvey serves as the Chairman of the Board for the West Virginia First Foundation, bringing extensive legal expertise and a deep commitment to justice and community service. As the elected Prosecuting Attorney for Jefferson County, and a former Assistant Prosecutor in Berkeley and Kanawha Counties, he has spent his entire career within the criminal justice system, witnessing firsthand the devastating toll the opioid crisis has taken on individuals, families, and communities. Prior to his election, he spent six years in private practice, further broadening his legal experience. A graduate of Bluefield State University with a B.S. in Business Administration, he went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from the Appalachian School of Law. He is a member of the West Virginia State Bar and actively serves as Vice-Chair of Jefferson County Community Corrections and as a board member of Jefferson County Teen Court.

Chairman Harvey’s dedication to the people of West Virginia is deeply personal. His family has called the state home since the late 1700s, and he takes great pride in the resilience and character of its people. Seeing the opioid crisis as the greatest threat to West Virginia’s future, he felt called to be part of the solution, considering it his highest honor to serve his fellow West Virginians. Like so many in the state, he has lost friends and family to substance use disorder and understands the urgency of the Foundation’s mission. Under his leadership, he envisions WVFF as a beacon of hope—saving lives, restoring families, and uniting the state in a collective effort to combat addiction. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys hunting, fishing—particularly on his favorite trout stream, the Cranberry River—studying history, and metal detecting. Most of all, he cherishes time spent with his wife and young daughter, sharing in the joys of her discoveries and interests.

Dora L. Stutler has dedicated her career to serving the families of Harrison County through education, with a steadfast commitment to student success and community development. Before stepping into the role of Superintendent of Harrison County Schools, she served as the Human Resources Supervisor and spent 18 years as a principal at various elementary schools. Her journey in education began as a substitute teacher, later becoming a teacher in the Gifted Program. A graduate of Grafton High School in Taylor County, West Virginia, Stutler earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Fairmont State University and a Master's Degree in Special Education and Educational Leadership from West Virginia University. Guided by the belief that honesty, integrity, and fairness are the cornerstones of thriving communities, she has championed the idea that schools play a crucial role in shaping the future of West Virginia’s children.

Beyond her leadership in education, Stutler actively contributes to initiatives that strengthen students and communities. She serves on multiple educational committees, including the Game Changer Board, where she has been instrumental in developing curriculum and programming focused on student substance misuse prevention. She also serves on the boards of the Harrison County United Way and the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce and is an active member of the West Virginia Association of School Superintendents. Recognized for her dedication to public service, Stutler was appointed by the Governor to the West Virginia First Foundation Board, where she continues her work to support substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts across the state. She firmly believes that investing in our youth is investing in the future, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive.

Jeff Sandy, a lifelong West Virginian, chose to remain in his home state despite numerous career opportunities elsewhere because of his deep connection to the people of West Virginia. He retired in 2023 as the Cabinet Secretary for the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security under Governor Jim Justice. His distinguished career also includes service as a U.S. Treasury Criminal Investigation Supervisory Special Agent and Wood County Sheriff, and a Partner with Perry Forensic, a forensic accounting company. A graduate of Marshall University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration specializing in Accounting, Jeff is also a certified fraud examiner and anti-money laundering specialist. Throughout his career, Jeff has seen firsthand the devastating impact of the opioid crisis, particularly during his time overseeing state regional jails, where thousands of individuals entered each year under the influence of drugs. Jeff felt called to serve on the West Virginia First Foundation board, knowing that law enforcement alone cannot solve the drug crisis without the collaboration of medical, counseling, and community professionals.

Jeff’s career has been wide-ranging and impactful. He was selected in 1982 to be part of President Ronald Reagan’s Presidential Narcotics Task Force, and later received honors including the U.S. Department of Treasury's Honor Award and the Department of Defense Joint Services Achievement Medal for his financial investigations in Iraq. As a certified expert in money laundering, he has testified in U.S. District Courts and taught investigative techniques to thousands of law enforcement officers and professionals. His work has saved financial institutions over $52 million in fines, with his clients receiving over $11 million in settlements. For his extraordinary service, Jeff has been honored with the Albert Gallatin Award, the highest career service award from the U.S. Department of Treasury, and the Distinguished West Virginian Award. Jeff, along with his wife Renee, a financial investigator, and their three grown children, enjoys following Marshall University sports and participating in outdoor activities like golf, racquetball, and pickleball. Through his work with the West Virginia First Foundation, Jeff believes that the state must pursue a two-tiered approach: reducing both the availability and use of illegal drugs, while drawing on successful prevention and recovery programs from across the globe to create a safer, healthier future for West Virginia.

Commissioner Greg Duckworth has dedicated his life to service, beginning with a distinguished 26-year career with the West Virginia State Police. Serving in some of the areas hardest hit by the opioid crisis—including McDowell, Wyoming, Boone, Raleigh, Nicholas, and Fayette counties—he rose through the ranks as a trooper, detachment commander, and district commander. Throughout his career, he witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of addiction, not just in the crimes he investigated but in the lives and families forever changed. After retiring in 2016, he continued his commitment to public safety as the Director of Security for Glade Springs, overseeing a team of 14 security personnel in a 24/7 operation. In 2020, he was elected to the Raleigh County Commission, where he now serves as president, furthering his dedication to his community through leadership roles on the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority and the Raleigh County Regional Airport Authority Board of Directors. 

A proud West Virginian, Commissioner Duckworth has called the southern part of the state home for over 35 years. A graduate of Grafton High School and the West Virginia State Police Academy, where he earned a degree in Police Science, he has always believed in the strength and resilience of the Mountain State. Alongside his wife of 31 years, Rhonda, and their two daughters, Brianna and Erin, he enjoys the beauty of West Virginia’s outdoors, whether traveling, riding their side-by-side, or spending time with their golden retriever, Bowie. Deeply passionate about the mission of the West Virginia First Foundation, he is honored to contribute to meaningful, statewide efforts to combat the opioid crisis. Having seen the epidemic’s toll both professionally and personally, he remains steadfast in his commitment to working with others to find real solutions. Commissioner Duckworth believes the future is bright and that with a united effort, West Virginia can turn the tide on addiction and build a stronger, healthier future for its people.

As the First Lady of Marshall University, Alys Smith is actively engaged with communities across West Virginia, attending educational, community, and sporting events throughout the state. She believes that the greatest strength of West Virginia is its people, who are known for their kindness and willingness to help others. Alys’s commitment to uplifting local communities is reflected in her service, particularly through her work on the board of the West Virginia First Foundation. She sees firsthand the impact of addiction on individuals and families in southern West Virginia and is dedicated to supporting people in recovery, helping them regain their lives and become contributing members of the workforce. Alys believes in treating addiction as a medical issue rather than a criminal one, with the goal of creating long-term change for future generations.

Alys brings an extensive background in law and public service to her role. She earned a B.S. in Biology/Pre-Med from The Ohio State University and a J.D. from The University of Akron School of Law. Since 1986, she has worked as a trial attorney, focusing on civil litigation defense. In addition, Alys co-founded the Wing2Wing Foundation, which focuses on education, entrepreneurship, and the environment in Appalachia, and founded the Women Warriors Summit, dedicated to empowering women across the region. She serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including The Education Alliance, The Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, The Clay Center, and the New Opportunity School for Women. Along with her husband and West Virginia University, Alys co-founded the Ascend WV remote worker program, which attracts remote professionals to West Virginia to live and work. Married to Brad Smith, President of Marshall University, since 1993, Alys and Brad have two grown daughters, Payton and Devon. Alys has a passion for the outdoors and especially enjoys golfing, playing tennis and pickleball, reading, and traveling. Through her work with the West Virginia First Foundation, she is dedicated to helping West Virginia become a national model for addressing the opioid crisis.

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.