Brad D. Smith & Alys Smith
“I may have spent the first 22 years of my life dreaming of a way out, but I can tell you with clear eyes and full heart I’ve spent every day since looking for a way back home.”
Brad & Alys
About Brad & Alys Smith
Born and raised in Kenova, Brad D. Smith, president of Marshall University and co-founder of Wing 2 Wing, left West Virginia to pursue his calling, but realized almost immediately that his roots gave him a unique edge in his life and career. While his professional journey brought him to the executive office of Intuit, his personal passion remained in West Virginia. Together, Brad and his wife Alys Smith realized West Virginia’s quality of life, welcoming communities, and valuable outdoor recreation resources offered unique opportunities to bring an increase in focus, investment, and development to the state. It was through this realization that the Wing 2 Wing Foundation was born and Brad and Alys embarked on a journey of giving back to the state they love.
Why did Brad & Alys invest in the OEDC?
A new future for West Virginia
The Smith's transformational gift provides the initial funding for both a talent attraction and retention program and outdoor recreation asset development. In collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Ascend WV is designed to help remote workers discover Almost Heaven and put down roots in the state. In addition, West Virginia’s outdoor recreation infrastructure will be added to and enhanced for enthusiasts of all levels to enjoy, in turn growing new business and recreation opportunities.
Uplifting the Mountain State
Giving back to the house that built Brad
Brad and Alys have made education, entrepreneurship, and equal opportunity the focus of their efforts and have carried these themes into OEDC initiatives. The Science Adventure School is just one OEDC program that aligns with the values Brad and Alys set forth. The Science Adventure School gives 6th-grade students a chance to explore nature and local environments while igniting an interest in STEM education. Programs like these, along with Brad’s work with Ascend WV, are imperative to developing West Virginia as it creates opportunities for people of all ages to engage in all the Mountain State has to offer.
