One of the driving goals behind the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC) is to expand outdoor educational opportunities. This means helping kids step away from screens and inspiring them to get outdoors, instead. At the OEDC, we know just how much West Virginia’s great outdoors has to offer and we want […]
Engaging Youth Outdoors with the Science Adventure School Read More »
On May 11, 2021, on an NPR “All Things Considered” segment titled “Pennies From (Almost) Heaven: Get Paid To Move To West Virginia,” hosts Alisa Chang and Mary Louise Kelly discussed Brad D. Smith’s Ascend West Virginia program. The episode included some recorded quotes from Brad, as well as quotes from Danny Twilley from West
Brad D. Smith Discusses Ascend West Virginia on NPR’s “All Things Considered” Program Read More »
On April 9, 2021, Danny Twilley and Paris Winfrey appeared on the Positively West Virginia podcast to discuss the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC) with co-hosts Jim Matuga and Frank Vitale. Danny is the Associate Dean for the OEDC and Paris is the Program Coordinator. Both individuals were excited to share
The Wing 2 Wing Foundation focuses on supporting accessible education to instill capabilities and skills needed to participate and compete in the digital world. Wing 2 Wing primarily operates in the Appalachian Region, where technological changes have created upheavals in the social and work lives of residents and youth. Here are some of the most
Recent Wing 2 Wing Foundation Activities Read More »
On June 3rd, 2021, Brad D. Smith appeared on the the Mountaineer Media Podcast, a podcast that connects West Virginians by sharing stories and interviewing leaders. Smith, a native of West Virginia, discussed his roots and Ascend West Virginia, a remote worker initiative he is spearheading. Brad also explained how West Virginia’s unique culture guided
Brad Shares His West Virginia Roots Read More »
I’m often asked what skill, experience or attribute I find most important in today’s fast-changing environment. Admittedly, my answers have evolved over the past 35 years of my professional career. Looking back, it has become clear that one skill stands the test of time, and I believe will be increasingly in-demand as we push ahead
Brad D. Smith Talks About Agility, The Most In-Demand Skill Read More »
The graduating class of 2020 experienced a variety of challenges as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. From stay-at-home orders and having classes interrupted, to cancelled spring break plans and virtual graduation, this group of students had to overcome various hurdles as they graduated and pursued future endeavors. To honor them, the University of
Brad D. Smith Delivers Special Commencement Speech for UVA Wise Read More »
On March 17, 2021, Brad D. Smith participated in the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative’s Focus Forward event. The event focused on the National Weather Service’s available data that could benefit innovators and businesses. Focus Forward aims to bring together business, education and government leaders to discuss forward-thinking ideas and how to implement them in
Brad D. Smith Participates in Beyond The Cloud Discussion Read More »
On March 9-10, 2021, the virtual 3 Steps to StartUp Venture Fair featured experienced investors, innovators and entrepreneurs who offered advice on starting a business and attracting investors. Brad D. Smith was the keynote speaker for the first day of the event and spoke about starting and managing a company. Michael Graney moderated the discussion
Brad D. Smith Keynotes The Virtual 3 Steps to StartUp Venture Fair Read More »
Shaping culture, catalyzing change and building coalitions of the willing share one thing in common – they are the outcomes of successful storytelling. A leader’s ability to organize details that create an emotional arc and result in visible progress and change in the receiver(s) is the most under-rated tool in a leader’s toolbox. If culture
The Power of Storytelling to Build a Coalition of Minds, Hearts and Hands Read More »
