Featured Articles

Throughout the Mountain State and beyond, lawyers are dedicating their careers to advancing the legal profession and helping others find justice. These individuals work tirelessly in courtrooms, legal organizations and educational institutions to ensure the rights of all individuals are protected. Their commitment to service and unwavering dedication to justice are detrimental to the West Virginia legal community’s ongoing impact.

The positive impact of philanthropic and nonprofit organizations in West Virginia is undeniable. There are numerous charitable organizations to choose from, each offering unique opportunities to make a meaningful difference. In this issue of West Virginia Executive, dedicated to the nonprofit and philanthropic sector, we highlight foundations making positive impacts across the state. While this map is not exhaustive, it illustrates the impressive reach of the industry.

After Claude Worthington Benedum passed away in 1918, his surviving parents, Michael and Sarah Benedum, created a foundation in 1944 to honor their child: the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.

Throughout the Mountain State, revitalization efforts are bringing new life to downtown areas, helping transform them into vibrant hubs of community and commerce. Organizations like Main Street Martinsburg (MSM),
RenewAll and Charleston Urban Works (CUW) are working to better their downtown areas with help from volunteers, sponsors and organizational partners.

Navigating the complex landscape of economic issues and societal challenges requires more than a one-size-fits-all approach. Philanthropy, though not always the first solution that comes to mind, plays a crucial role in addressing these multifaceted issues.

The West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF) is the initiative dedicated to addressing substance use disorder and the broader public health crisis currently affecting the state of West Virginia. Formed to strategically manage and distribute the settlement funds from litigation against opioid manufacturers and distributors, the WVFF serves as a crucial piece in the fight for combating the ongoing opioid epidemic and fostering recovery and resilience.

Coal is no small asset in Southern West Virginia, as for decades the coal industry has run its economy. However, as times change and modern needs evolve, adaptation is essential. This is where the ACT Now coalition comes in, led by Coalfield Development, helping aid in the expansion of businesses and industries.

In the heart of the Mountain State’s sports sector lies two beloved Division I schools—Marshall University and West Virginia University (WVU). Surrounding these universities are passionate fans, loving communities and vibrant cultures. This year, both schools have experienced a major change in their athletics—new head coaches for their men’s basketball teams.

“I need both of you to understand that when we go all the way north to the military base at Kav Ha’Imut, we could experience sniper fire from Hezbollah terrorists as we ascend the mountain. There is another road that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Corps of Engineers built, but it takes longer. So, what do you two gentlemen want to do?”

Fourteen years ago, Joelle Moray was featured as one of West Virginia Executive’s Young Guns. She was a marketing and community relations specialist for the City of Wheeling.