Greetings to my friends, neighbors, and fellow West Virginians,

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As many of you know, along with my work on external affairs as Vice President with Vandalia Health, several months ago, I was elected to the inaugural Board of Directors of the West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF). I was privileged to serve alongside my fellow Board members as we were tasked with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the state of West Virginia: to create an entirely new foundation with the sole purpose of meaningfully mitigating substance use and abuse within the state. Early on, it became clear we needed a leader to serve as trustee for the people we represent and promote the mission, vision, and goals of the WVFF full-time. I am incredibly humbled to announce that this leadership role has been offered to me, and I have accepted.

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I am a firm believer that there is no such thing as coincidence, and I believe my experiences within the nonprofit, healthcare, and policy spaces have prepared me for this monumental task. Truly, I believe this fight is the calling of our generation, and I am excited to do my part in helping our state stand against the epidemic of substance abuse.

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This vital charge deserves my full attention, and as such, I must put my campaign on hold. However, my mission and vision remain — we must fight back against this public health crisis, provide meaningful and sustainable employment for those in need, and heal this state from the inside out. In so doing, we will give West Virginia families the tools they need to protect their children, grow, and prosper.

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Many of you have joined in this effort, and offered support financially and emotionally. To you all, from the bottom of my heart, I say thank you. My family and I have been awed, humbled, and blessed by the support we have received and the new relationships we have made from this experience. Our team will be in contact with those of you who have given financially. Support funding will remain in the campaign account to be reported upon in accordance with the ethics department by the rules and guidelines of the Secretary of State.

 

When I began this journey a few months ago, I had one goal: to use my time and my talents to give back to this great state that has given so much to me and my family. That goal remains the same, even if the path has taken an unexpected turn. The future of West Virginia is bright, and I covet your prayers and support as we begin this new work that has been presented to us.