WEST VIRGINIA (June 18, 2025) – The West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF) is proud to announce the appointment of its inaugural Regional Expert Panel members for Region 1 representing Brooke, Hancock, Ohio, Marshall and Wetzel Counties. These local leaders will serve as key advisors in shaping WVFF’s efforts to prevent substance use disorder, support recovery, and save lives across the Northern Panhandle and surrounding areas.
Established through the Foundation’s Expert Panel Policy, the Region 1 Panel includes seven experts, each representing a distinct Area of Expertise critical to addressing the opioid epidemic:
Region 1 – Regional Expert Panel Members
Prevention
Treatment
(including Mental Health and Pharmacology)
Susan Harrison
Jeremy Sagun Recovery/Lived Experience Systems of Care, Health Policy, and Management(including Finance)
Law Enforcement and Judicial Systems First RespondersCorrections and Reentry Mary Hess, Mark Philips,Shawn ShwertfegerLouis VargoClaudia Raymer
Regional Expert Panel members were nominated by Board Members serving each region and approved by the full Board of Directors. These panels will serve as vital local advisors, coordinating data collection, reviewing grant proposals, and offering region-specific recommendations to ensure community voices shape funding decisions.
One of the first tasks of the Regional Expert Panels will be to nominate subject matter experts to serve on the State Expert Panel for each Area of Expertise. The State Panel will review regional
findings, ensure alignment with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and provide
strategic recommendations to the Board to inform statewide funding priorities.
“These individuals bring deep experience and a strong commitment to our region,” said Dr.
Steven Corder, WVFF Board Member for Region 1. “As we work to direct settlement dollars
responsibly and effectively, the insight of these local experts will be invaluable in shaping
strategies that remain responsive to community needs going forward.”
To view the full list of appointed Expert Panel members across all six regions, visit wvfirst.org.
For details on the Expert Panel Policy, view Article C(9) of the Memorandum of Understanding.About West Virginia First Foundation: The West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF) is a nonprofit organization established to address the opioid crisis and its lasting impact across the state. Created under the terms of the West Virginia First Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), WVFF was designed to receive and distribute opioid settlement
funds. Guided by the principles outlined in the MOU, the Foundation operates as a private 501(c)(3) entity to support prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction efforts. Through strategic funding and community collaboration,
WVFF is committed to creating sustainable solutions that improve the health and well-being of all West Virginians.
WV FIRST FOUNDATION Announces Regional Panel Members for Region I
