President of Marshall University
Brad D. Smith assumed the role of Marshall University’s 38th president in January of 2022, the first alumnus to lead the institution since its inception in 1837. A Kenova, West Virginia, native, Smith’s commitment to Appalachia, his faculty for leadership, and his dedication to philanthropy drive his mission to inspire change by empowering individuals and investing in communities throughout the Mountain State.
Prior to his current role, Smith served in the private sector for 36 years, 11 of which at Intuit as CEO. From notable expansions to years of adept stewardship across many different boards, Intuit included, Smith is tireless in his efforts to ensure those from underrepresented backgrounds have the confidence they need to dream big.
Smith is currently chairman of the Nordstrom board, a member of the Momentive (formerly Survey Monkey) and Yahoo boards, and most recently, was appointed to the Amazon board of directors in 2023. His passion for advancing innovation and fostering entrepreneurial talent across the state is further underscored by his recent appointment to the Humana board of directors and his active involvement in the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, a philanthropic endeavor he co-founded with his wife, Alys.
Building a Better Future for West Virginia
The Wing 2 Wing Foundation provides increased access and support for education, entrepreneurship mentoring, investment, and works to position West Virginia “as a showcase for the nation.” Central to the foundation’s mission is Ascend West Virginia, the nation’s premier remote workforce recruitment program, a cornerstone initiative in shaping the future of work throughout the state.
Smith received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Marshall University and a master’s degree in management from Aquinas College in Michigan. He was also presented with a Presidential Honorary Doctor of Business Degree by West Virginia University. Smith has two daughters, Devon and Payton.
