Brad D. Smith

Brad D. Smith is a dedicated philanthropist and a seasoned executive who has served as the President of Marshall University since January 2022. A visionary leader, Brad has focused his recent efforts on advancing higher education, economic development, and entrepreneurship in Appalachia. Brad’s career highlights include a 19-year tenure at Intuit, Inc., where his leadership earned the company recognition for workplace culture and innovation. Outside of Intuit, Brad has also held leadership roles at ADP, Pepsi, 7-Up, and ADVO, Inc., and has served on the boards of Yahoo!, Nordstrom, Momentive (formerly Survey Monkey), and Humana Inc. Currently, Brad serves as a member of the Audit Committee on Amazon's Board of Directors and on the Board of Directors for JPMorgan Chase. He also serves as a Board Advisor for DignifiHealth and co-chairs the Southern Regional Education Board’s Commission (SREB) on AI in Education. Brad’s West Virginia roots are a defining influence on his life and career. Through the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC) at West Virginia University, he and his wife have contributed $25 million to transform the state’s outdoor assets into engines of growth. The OEDC led to the creation of Ascend WV, a program that attracts remote workers to the Mountain State and continues to strengthen local communities. As of 2025, Ascend has expanded to five communities, welcomed more than 400 new residents from 44 states and seven countries, and is on track to reach 1,000 remote workers within the next three years. Building on this momentum, Brad co-launched First Ascent with West Virginia University president Gordan Gee in 2023. A spinoff program focused on retaining West Virginia’s recent college graduates by offering pathways to build careers within the state, First Ascent is an extension of Brad’s vision to create opportunities for young professionals while bolstering local economies. Brad and Alys are also co-founders of the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, which fosters education and entrepreneurship in underserved regions. By providing resources and mentorship, the foundation helps individuals and communities unlock their full potential. Brad’s impact extends to Marshall University, where he champions initiatives like the Brad D. Smith Student Incubator, empowering Appalachians to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. His selection as Marshall’s 38th president was a unanimous decision by the Board of Governors, and he continues to lead the university with a focus on innovation and expanding educational opportunity throughout the Mountain State. In recognition of his contributions, Brad has received numerous accolades, including an honorary Doctor of Business degree from West Virginia University in 2016 and Marshall University’s Distinguished Alumnus award in 2020. His professional achievements, philanthropy, and commitment to West Virginia exemplify his belief in creating lasting, positive change.