Brad D. Smith
  • @bradd_smith
  • President of Marshall University and Co-Founder of the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, Championing Education, Innovation, and Economic Growth in West Virginia
  • Huntington, West Virginia

Brad D. Smith, a distinguished executive leader from West Virginia, is became the 38th President of Marshall University in January 2022, marking the first time an alumnus has held this position.

Born and raised in Kenova, West Virginia, Brad returned to his home state after a successful career in Silicon Valley, where he held various executive leadership positions, most notably as CEO and later Executive Chairman of Intuit. He also served as Chairman of the Nordstrom Board and was a Board Member of Momentive (formerly SurveyMonkey). In October 2024, Brad was elected to the Board of Directors of JPMorgan Chase, with his term set to begin in January 2025. He also currently serves on the Humana Board of Directors, the Audit Committee for Amazon's Board of Directors and is a board advisor for DignifiHealth.

Reimagining What's Possible for West Virginia

With a mission to uplift West Virginia, Brad and his wife, Alys, have dedicated themselves to fostering sustainable growth across the state. Together, they co-founded the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, an initiative committed to nurturing local entrepreneurs, accelerating access to educational opportunities for students, and investing in projects that celebrate and enhance the region’s natural beauty.

Brad and Alys Smith’s philanthropic vision for West Virginia is exemplified by their $25 million gift to West Virginia University, which established the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC). Rooted in the belief that West Virginia’s charm and strong communities can drive lasting change, the OEDC focuses on empowering local businesses, enhancing outdoor recreation, and fostering sustainable economic growth. Recently, the OEDC secured a $1.2 million Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) POWER Initiative grant, supplemented by $536,155 in partner matches, totaling $1.7 million. This funding supports the launch of the CORE Initiative, a suite of innovative programs designed to strengthen West Virginia’s outdoor economy and enhance the quality of life across all 55 counties. Key components of the CORE Initiative include the WV Outdoor Business Alliance, the Outdoor Nonprofit Hub, the Trail Training & Education Resource Center, and the inaugural WV Outdoor Economy Summit—each a cornerstone in building a thriving, collaborative outdoor recreation ecosystem.

Through the OEDC, Brad and Alys Smith spearheaded Ascend WV, a transformative program designed to attract remote workers and new talent to the Mountain State, breathing new life into local communities. Building on its success, they introduced First Ascent, an extension of Ascend WV, which empowers Marshall University students with mentorship and resources to turn bold ideas into sustainable businesses. Together, these initiatives are reshaping perceptions of West Virginia, showcasing the state’s unique strengths and the incredible potential of its people. Brad’s visionary leadership continues to inspire progress, positioning West Virginia as a premier destination for innovation, outdoor adventure, and economic growth.

A Vision for Growth: Positioning Marshall University as a Blueprint for Higher Education

As President of Marshall University, Brad has been integral to many transformative changes at his alma mater, including playing a pivotal role in advancing the "Marshall For All, Marshall Forever" plan – which aims to eliminate student debt and achieve 100% job placement by 2037. Under Brad’s leadership, the university has made significant strides towards these goals, including expanding scholarship opportunities, enhancing career services, and strengthening partnerships with industry leaders. These efforts are setting Marshall apart as a leader in higher education while exemplifying Brad’s vision of transforming West Virginia into a beacon of opportunity and innovation for similar regions worldwide.

Brad and Alys have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to education through significant philanthropic contributions, including a $25 million gift to Marshall’s School of Business, which led to the creation of the Brad D. Smith Student Incubator and the naming of the Brad D. Smith Schools of Business. These efforts enable aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality and foster a culture of innovation within the university. To date, Brad and Alys have contributed more than $35 million to Marshall University and remain dedicated to supporting programs that inspire students, strengthen communities, and drive meaningful change.

A Legacy of Service

Brad earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from Marshall University and his master's degree in management from Aquinas College in Michigan. His contributions to education and leadership have earned him numerous honors, including the Presidential Honorary Doctor of Business Degree in 2016 from West Virginia University. That same year, Marshall University recognized Brad’s dedication and impact with the Distinguished Alumnus Award at its 83rd Alumni Awards Banquet.

Together, with his wife and two daughters, Payton and Devon, Brad continues to champion projects that uplift West Virginia. Their efforts focus on fostering economic opportunities for Appalachian communities and strengthening local businesses of all sizes, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for the region.

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Highlights

35
Million in Philanthropic Contributions
10+
Board Memberships and Advisory Roles
3
Launched Nonprofits
1
1st Marshall University Alumnus President

Resume

View all
Jan 2022 - Present

President, Marshall University

Jan 2025 - Present

Board Member, JP Morgan Chase

Jan 2019 - Jan 2022

Executive Chairman, Intuit

Jan 2008 - Jan 2019

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Intuit

Companies I've worked with