Brad’s journey to becoming one of the most successful Silicon Valley CEOs wasn’t without challenges,…
Wing 2 Wing Foundation Website Launch
After careful development, Intuit’s executive chairman Brad D. Smith and his team are proud to announce the launch of the Wing 2 Wing Foundation website. Co-founded by Brad and his wife, Alys Smith, the Foundation strives to support human potential and growth with guidance through philanthropy and experienced leadership. By establishing an online presence, the Wing 2 Wing Foundation can more effectively connect people and fulfill its mission to bring greater educational, entrepreneurial, and environmental opportunities to those underserved regions that need it most.
The couple also recently donated $25 million to West Virginia University through the WVU Foundation to grow outdoor educational opportunities and attract new talent to the state. Titled the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC), their donation will help reposition West Virginia as a “start-up state” through a remote workers program. The program will help cultivate 21st century skills that will help participants and their families thrive during the COVID-19 crisis. The OEDC initiative also provides Design Thinking and STEAM (A = the Arts) educational opportunities for middle school students in West Virginia through experiential programs in the outdoors.
Working together, the couple have a dedicated history of supporting development in the Appalachian region, including by founding scholarship programs at Marshall and Ohio State Universities and donating $25 million to Marshall University’s business college in 2018. By establishing the Wing 2 Wing Foundation online and across the state, Brad and Alys will continue helping people obtain access to the highest quality education and entrepreneurship available.
Born in Huntington, WV, Brad grew up near the town of Kenova and graduated locally from Marshall University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Alys Smith, formerly an attorney and professional mediator, has a passion for supporting initiatives that are strategic, enduring, and have a lasting impact on students.