Dr. Stephen Loyd is the Director for the WV Office of Drug Control Policy. 

Dr. Stephen Loyd is an Internal Medicine and Addiction Medicine physician. His background includes being Tennessee's Assistant Commissioner (Opioid Czar) for Substance Abuse Services, an expert witness in prescription cases, and an Advocate for Action recognized by the Office of National Drug Control Policy. He's a key contributor to Tennessee's pain treatment practices, focusing on opioid-dependent pregnant women. Dr. Loyd's work extends to drug courts, anti-drug coalitions, and law enforcement, and he inspired a character in "Dopesick." He currently serves as Cedar Recovery's Chief Medical Officer and chairs the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council.

Dr. Loyd has been in recovery from opioid and benzodiazepine addiction since July 8, 2004. His personal connection to opioid addiction and recovery serves as a driving force, motivating him to continue making strides in this industry and creating positive change for the future.

Dr. Loyd is a leader in the addiction treatment industry and uses his platform to help combat the opioid crisis in his community and across the country. Dr. Loyd’s advocacy knows no bounds as he passionately speaks at conferences nationwide, raising awareness about the opioid epidemic, the fentanyl crisis, and the science behind medication-assisted treatment for addiction. Another of his key passions is supporting pregnant women in their battle against addiction. His overarching goal is to help individuals discover their ideal path to addiction treatment, underlining his commitment to making a difference.

Richard Lawrence (“Larry”) Merkel, MD, PhD graduated from University of Virginia School of Medicine and then did a residency in psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania. Afterwards he was a Robert Woods Johnson Clinical Scholar and a Senior Fellow at The Leonard Davis Institute of Health Care Economics at the University of Pennsylvania. He later received his PhD in Anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania.

He is presently a Professor of Psychiatry and spends about half his time teaching and doing clinical supervision. He has had clinical and research experience with various refugee groups, and the Maori of New Zealand. He has done psychiatric consulting to Middle Eastern Primary Care doctors. He is Director of the Global Mental Health Program in the Department of Psychiatry and has helped to develop psychiatry collaborations in Mbarara, Uganda; the Indian Health Service Center in Shiprock, NM; and Quito, Ecuador. For the last several years he has provided mental health care and conducted ethnographic field work in Central Appalachia. The research has focused on Deaths of Despair, the Idiom of Distress – Bad Nerves, and the relation between family dynamics, gender roles and mental health.

He has won teaching awards at the University of Virginia and is a member of the Academy of Distinguished Educators at the University of Virginia. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and in 2007 was presented with the Irma Bland Award for Excellence in Teaching Psychiatry Residents, by the American Psychiatric Association. In 2019​he received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Psychiatric Society of Virginia and in 2022 the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. UVA Health Award, UVA School of Medicine.

While on sabbatical in New Zealand in 1997 he began working with telepsychiatry. Since 2003 he has been working with the Karen Rheuban Center for Telepsychiatry to provide psychiatric care to rural Virginia. He has been designated Director of Outreach for the Department of Psychiatry, which involves overseeing and expanding telepsychiatry at UVA. He desires to build a positive working relationship with all of our child and adult telepsychiatry partners. He is directing the ECHO Programs for the Department of Psychiatry and NB Sciences.

Between 1998 and 2012, he was Director of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Medicine and Specialty Care Core Southeastern Rural Mental Health Research Center, School of Nursing, UVA, where he conducted epidemiological, clinical, and ethnographic research on suicide in SW Virginia, part of Central Appalachia. In 2015 he became the Director of the Division of Outreach, for the UVA Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences. With the support of the American Psychiatric Associations Division of Diversity and Health Equity he helped established the Central Appalachia Network of Mental Health Advocates in 2017 and in 2023 became the Director of the Caucus on Rural Psychiatry for the APA. He is on the Board of the National Association for Rural Mental Health.

Charles Mullins brings nine years of experience in mental health and substance use treatment, having served in multiple capacities, including Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS), Targeted Case Manager, Intake Specialist, and Director of Operations at Licensed Behavioral Health Centers (LBHCs). He holds an MBA in Healthcare Management and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Marshall University. Committed to advancing equitable access to care, Charles is passionate about expanding mental health support to unserved and underserved populations. His family includes his wife, Brittany, and their three children. They are active members of Norway Avenue Church of Christ in Huntington, WV, where he teaches a Bible study for men in recovery.

Keith King, MA, Licensed Psychologist is the 1115 Waiver Manager for Behavioral Health and Long-Term Care Services for the West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services within the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources where he is responsible for the management and oversight of the 1115 Waiver, which is a demonstration pilot through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The 1115 Waiver primarily is focused on expanding treatment modalities for people diagnosed with a substance use disorder and includes Methadone MAT, SUD residential facilities, and Peer Recovery Support Services. The expansion of the Waiver will possibly include 12 new services. Keith has worked for the WV Department of Health and Human Resources for the past 10 years. Keith was the director of psychology, adjunctive therapy and mentally ill/chemically dependent units of Mildred Mitchell Bateman Hospital and previously worked in rural mental health in the Logan and Mingo counties of West Virginia. He is a graduate of Marshall University in Clinical Psychology and an undergraduate in Psychology, Sociology and Physics. In his spare time, he does amateur astronomy, hikes, and tutors’ mathematics.

Sergeant Travis Bailes has served with the Charleston Police Department since 2015, bringing over 17 years of law enforcement experience to his role. He began his career with the Dunbar Police Department in 2008 before joining the South Charleston Police Department in 2010.

Throughout his career, Sergeant Bailes has held multiple specialized positions, including Field Training Officer, Hybrid Unit Officer and Special Enforcement Unit Detective.

Notably, he became the first police officer in West Virginia to be simultaneously certified as an educator, allowing him to teach law enforcement as part of his regular duties at Capital High School.

After his promotion to Sergeant, he supervised patrol operations on the East End of Charleston before transitioning in January to the Public Services Division. In this role, he oversees the Hybrid Unit, Homeless Outreach, Community Outreach, School Resource Officers, and Humane Officers, strengthening the department's connection with the community. In September of 2025 Sergeant Bailes was appointed Commander of the Public Services Division of the Charleston Police Department. 

Sergeant Bailes is certified in Crisis Intervention and successfully completed the Crisis Intervention Train-the-Trainer program in early 2025. His daily interactions with individuals experiencing mental health and substance abuse issues have allowed him to implement crisis intervention techniques on numerous occasions, helping to de-escalate situations and connect individuals with necessary resources.

He holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Fairmont State University and resides in Charleston with his wife, two children, three dogs, and four cats.

I’m a person in long-term recovery and currently serve as the Quick Response Team Program Coordinator for the City of Charleston’s CARE team. I’m passionate about supporting individuals impacted by substance use disorder, mental illness, and homelessness I work every day to build bridges between first responders, behavioral health providers, and the community. I’m also proud to be part of the ongoing efforts to expand the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model across the state of West Virginia to help improve crisis response and outcomes. While my professional work means a great deal to me, the title I’m most proud of is father.

Sheila is Director of Communications and Marketing for First Choice Services (FCS), a West Virginia-based non-profit that operates 15 helplines, most of which focus on behavioral health. She coordinates strategy and creative design for mass media campaigns, social media, and specializes in gaining earned media. Her efforts have resulted in FCS reaching over 100,000 help seekers per year. She enjoys presenting on topics related to mental health resources, problem gambling, and outreach strategies for social services organizations.

She has a Master’s Degree in Social Work and is a Licensed Social Worker. She is also an Internationally Certified Gambling Counselor.

Deb Harris is the Manager for the West Virginia Schools of Diversion & Transition (WVSDT) Reentry Programs and Jobs & Hope WV, a statewide initiative launched by Governor Jim Justice in 2019 to address the substance use disorder crisis and help West Virginians in recovery find meaningful employment. She leads a team of thirty staff members who provide support and guidance to individuals who face barriers to reentering the workforce, connecting them to resources such as career training, high school equivalency, and career employment.

For her outstanding work with Jobs & Hope WV, she was honored with the YWCA Women of Achievement Empowerment Award in 2020. In 2023, she was appointed by Governor Jim Justice to the West Virginia Workforce Development Board.

Deb has a wealth of experience in assisting students and individuals with various challenges and barriers. Before joining Jobs & Hope WV, she worked as a TANF and Peer Counselor at Bridge Valley Community and Technical College, where she helped students on academic probation and those who needed state benefits to complete their education. 

Deb holds a Master's Degree in Adult Continuing Education and Evaluation from Marshall University, a Bachelor's Degree in Leadership and Rehabilitation from West Virginia State, and an Associate Degree in Behavioral Health Addictions from Bridge Valley State. She also served as an AmeriCorps VISTA and Peer Councilor during her studies.

She currently resides in Charleston with her husband and four children and their beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel “Charlie”. They enjoy spending time outdoors skiing, fishing on the Greenbrier River and going to concerts.

For her outstanding work with Jobs & Hope WV, she was honored with the YWCA Women of Achievement Empowerment Award in 2020. In 2023, she was appointed by Governor Jim Justice to the West Virginia Workforce Development Board.

Deb has a wealth of experience in assisting students and individuals with various challenges and barriers. Before joining Jobs & Hope WV, she worked as a TANF and Peer Counselor at Bridge Valley Community and Technical College, where she helped students on academic probation and those who needed state benefits to complete their education. 

Deb holds a Master's Degree in Adult Continuing Education and Evaluation from Marshall University, a Bachelor's Degree in Leadership and Rehabilitation from West Virginia State, and an Associate Degree in Behavioral Health Addictions from Bridge Valley State. She also served as an AmeriCorps VISTA and Peer Councilor during her studies.

She currently resides in Charleston with her husband and four children and their beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel “Charlie”. They enjoy spending time outdoors skiing, fishing on the Greenbrier River and going to concerts.

Aaron Blankenship works as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist Team Lead for the West Virginia Collegiate Recovery Network and serves at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College in Logan, WV as a certified PRSS-SUD, MH. He brings lived experience with the W.V. justice system and now dedicates his life to serving often-overlooked populations. Aaron is a devoted father, a loving husband, and actively engaged in his community through various civic organizations. He is a full-time volunteer in his church's ministry and a passionate advocate for recovery. As a U.S. Army veteran and an alumnus of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, Aaron’s personal experience with severe substance use disorder (SUD) fuels his commitment to demonstrating that recovery is possible. His message to others is clear: as long as there is breath, there is hope. No one should let anything steal that hope because every person is worth it.

Aaron completed an Associate in Business Administration at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, where he found unwavering support from both faculty and staff and has completed the Regency Bachelor of Arts program in Social Work at Concord University. He is currently pursuing an MSW at Marshall University to obtain licensure to practice generalist social work in West Virginia. He is actively involved in his community, participating in various civic organizations and giving back through his work as a certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist with the West Virginia Collegiate Recovery Network. In this role, Aaron helps others with similar experiences navigate their academic paths, trains peers, and mentors a statewide team working on similar projects.

Aaron also serves as a youth leader at his church, heading the evangelism teams that reach out to the community with messages of hope. Today, Aaron has the privilege of engaging with current and prospective students to share his story and remind them that WE CAN and DO RECOVER.

Aaron is deeply grateful to everyone who played a role in his journey, as he states, which speaks volumes to the importance of community. He looks forward to what lies ahead and the opportunities to continue serving and inspiring others.

The Rev. Jan Brown is Founder/Executive Director of SpiritWorks Foundation Center for the Soul. An ordained Deacon in the Episcopal Church, Archdeacon of the Diocese of Southern Virginia, she serves at Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, VA. Jan is a graduate of the College of William and Mary with a BA in Psychology, is certified as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist, a Recovery Coach Professional and international scholar on Addiction Studies. She has a Master of Science Degree in Addiction Studies from the International Programme on Addiction Studies at King’s College in London, the University of Adelaide and Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a woman with addiction in long term recovery past Chair of the Board of Directors of Faces and Voices of Recovery, Recovery Consultant on SAMHSA States Targeted Response (STR) Technical Assistance Center Team, Consensus Panel member for the SAMHSA TIP – Peer Recovery Support Specialists, Opioid Response Network (ORN) Consultant and co-chair of the Addictions and Recovery Commission for the Diocese of Southern Virginia.  Jan directs Camp SpiritSong for children and youth with parental addiction, the Youth Rising Strong program for children of families at risk and the Moms on a Mission 2 Recover (MOMs) program Jan currently serves on the Boards of the Center for Motivation and Change Foundation for Change as well as the Williamburg Community Foundation.  In 2014 she was appointed by the Governor of Virginia to serve on the Governor’s Task Force on Prescription Drug and Heroin Abuse.  In 2015 The Rev. Brown was appointed by the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church to serve on the Commission on Impairment and Leadership.  She continues to hold appointed positions within The Episcopal Church as well as the international addiction and recovery community.  Jan was  inducted into the Hall of Fame, class of 2022, of the Museum of African American Addictions, Treatment and Recovery.

Shawn Schwertfeger became Wheeling, West Virginia’s 54th Chief of Police in June of 2012.

An Ohio Valley native, Chief Schwertfeger graduated from John Marshall High School in 1984 and West Liberty University, where earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice/Business Administration in 1989.

Prior to joining the Wheeling Police Department, Chief Schwertfeger served as a Deputy Chief (Captain) in the Albemarle County, Virginia Police Department, retiring in 2012 after 21 years of service.

During his career in Virginia, he held many assignments including patrol officer, detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain. Specific assignments included Crimes Against Persons Unit, SWAT operator and commander, Crisis Negotiations Unit operator and commander and Public Information Officer.

Specific commands included Patrol Divisions, Community Support Division, and Internal Affairs. He retired with the rank of Bureau Commander and was responsible for 120 personnel and 4 divisions.

Chief Schwertfeger is a strong advocate for continuing professional development and is a graduate of the Professional Executive Leadership School at the University of Richmond, and a 2009 graduate of the FBI National Academy.

He holds board memberships with the West Virginia Chiefs of Police Association, Appalachia HIDTA, and A Special Wish Ohio Valley. He previously served on the board of the West Virginia Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), the Sexual Assault Help Center in Wheeling.

Elizabeth “Liz” Neal, a West Virginia native, lives in Charleston and is in long-term recovery. She is an internationally certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) and a Community Health Worker dedicated to making West Virginia a safer and more inclusive place for all its residents. She also graduated in April 2025 from the University of Charleston with an Associate's degree in Workforce Leadership. 

Currently, Liz serves as the Peers Supervisor at West Virginia Sober Living Solutions, where she leads a team of Peer Recovery Support Specialists and facilitates the PRSS Basics course. With deep roots in the southern coalfields of West Virginia, Liz is passionate about reducing stigma, providing education, and empowering others to overcome challenges.

Her dedication extends to assisting individuals experiencing homelessness and those living with Substance Use Disorder. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Liz is active in her local recovery community. In her free time, Liz cherishes moments spent with her family and children. Her unwavering commitment to helping others and her vibrant presence in her community exemplify her mission to create positive change in the lives of West Virginians.

Kenneth and Mari Jo Murray reside in Fairmont, West Virginia. They have been married for 25 years and have three sons: Kolby, Mattox, and Owen. Kolby and Owen are both diagnosed Level 2 Autistic, with Owen having comorbidity Social Anxiety Disorder. Kenneth and Mari Jo met while attending West Liberty State College (University). Kenneth Graduated with a BS in Criminal Justice. He also holds an AS in Police Science, a master’s degree in strategic leadership, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy with 14 hours master’s Credit from the University of Virginia. Mari Jo has studies in psychology. Kenneth enlisted in the West Virginia Army National Guard in 1995, commissioned to an officer in 2004, was deployed for Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Enduring Freedom, Kenneth retired in 2019 as a Major with 24 years of service. Kenneth was a certified as an Army instructor in 2006. Kenneth enlisted with the West Virginia State Police in 1998. He has been stationed across north central West Virginia, the Professional Development Center and the West Virginia State Police Academy in Charleston, WV as the Deputy Director of training and has been a certified Law Enforcement Instructor since 2019. He is currently assigned as the Logistics Officer for Troop 1 in Fairmont, WV. In 2014 Kenneth and Mari Jo decided to homeschool their three sons. Mari Jo is the primary educator of the children, gearing the educational needs to each child. In 2020 Kenneth worked with other special needs parents and the Autism Training Center at Marshall University to get legislation passed mandating training for interactions with autistic persons to entry level police officers, this bill passed unanimously. In 2022 Kenneth returned to the legislature where an amendment was placed before the legislature to include mandatory autism refresher training every three years to currently certified officers across West Virginia, this bill also passed unanimously. The bill was signed into law and can be found in the West Virginia state code 30-29-5a, “Criminal justice training regarding individuals with autism spectrum disorders; Alzheimer’s and dementia.” Since 2022 Kenneth and Mari Jo have been training police and first responders on the interaction with autistic persons across the state. Training has been completed with many police, fire, EMS, 911 dispatchers and social services agencies and as part of First Choice Services Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), as well as agency requested training events. Kenneth and Mari Jo are active members of the corridor chapter of the Autism society of West Virginia. They attend Covenant Church in Fairmont, West Virginia.

James H. Berry, DO is Professor and Chair of the Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry at West Virginia University School of Medicine’s Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute. He is board certified in both General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry. He received his medical degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, completed a General Psychiatry residency at West Virginia University and an Addiction Psychiatry fellowship at the University of Hawaii. He and his colleagues at WVU have developed nationally recognized, innovative community-based treatment models in response to the addiction crisis in Appalachia. Additionally, they are actively engaged in novel neuromodulation research related to substance use disorders through WVU’s Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute including the nation's first trial of Deep Brain Stimulation and Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound for opioid use disorder which was featured in CBS News’ 60 minutes.  Dr. Berry has been a dedicated clinician and enthusiastic educator in West Virginia since the early days of the addiction epidemic. He is the proud recipient of The Addiction Policy Forum’s Pillar of Excellence Award for Addiction Treatment, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resource’s inaugural Medical Provider Award for Advancement of Quality Addiction Care and WVU School of Medicine’s Distinguished Teacher Award. Statewide, he serves as a member of the West Virginia Governor’s Advisory Council on Substance Use Disorders and the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board. Nationally, He chairs the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology’s Addiction Psychiatry Examination Committee and serves on the Addiction Policy Forum’s Scientific Advisory Board. He has enjoyed advocating on behalf of those suffering from mental illness and addiction before audiences as varied as local town hall meetings to testifying before the United States Senate. Dr. Berry’s work and opinions have led to interviews with local, state, and national media sources such as Politico, NPR, Psychology Today and The Doctors television show. He and his patients were featured in the PBS NOVA documentary: Addiction that exposed a national audience to the science behind addiction and the humanity of those who suffer.

Justin Rogers is the Beckley Program Director and Director of "The Well" -  A Recovery Community Organization located in Beckley, WV and serves as the collegiate recovery coordinator at WVU Tech. As a person in long-term recovery, Justin is a certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist and has been working and advocating in the recovery field since 2017. Justin has several years of experience as PRSS supervisor, outreach coordinator, as well as building community partnerships. Justin's heart is in helping those afflicted by the disease of addiction especially in Southern WV. He has a passion for fitness and helping the youth, on any given evening you can find Justin at the YMCA of Southern WV, where he also loves to serve.