Matt James named vice president of foundations for Marshall Health Network

Marshall Health Network (MHN) has named Matt James as its new vice president of foundations, a key executive leadership role responsible for advancing philanthropic strategy and strengthening alignment across the system's affiliated foundations.

James brings more than a decade of leadership experience in higher education distinguished by measurable success in fundraising and alumni engagement. Most recently, he served as vice president of alumni relations for the Marshall University Foundation, where he was a member of the executive leadership team and oversaw alumni engagement, working closely with stewardship, marketing, communications and annual fund in alignment with institutional fundraising priorities. He grew alumni donor participation and total contributions year over year, secured major gifts in support of high-profile initiatives and built stronger partnerships with academic and institutional leaders to drive philanthropic results.

“Matt understands that philanthropy is built on relationships, trust and shared purpose,” said Beth L. Hammers, M.B.A., chief engagement officer for Marshall Health Network. “His experience in uniting teams around a common vision, coupled with his deep roots in our community, make him well-positioned to lead and coordinate the philanthropic efforts of the MHN Foundations that support our mission of advancing health and inspiring hope across West Virginia and Appalachia.”

As vice president of foundations, James will provide strategic leadership and coordination for MHN’s foundation entities, aligning fundraising priorities with systemwide goals in patient care, education, research and community outreach. He will work closely with foundation boards, executive leadership and community partners to expand philanthropic support and enhance stewardship across the system.

A two-time Marshall University graduate, he holds a Master of Arts in School Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Marshall University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership. A longtime Huntington resident, James has served on several nonprofit boards and community initiatives and currently serves on the boards of the Developmental Therapy Center of Huntington and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Huntington.

“I am honored to step into this role at Marshall Health Network,” James said. “This is a pivotal moment for health care in our region. I look forward to working alongside our leaders, donors and community partners to strengthen philanthropic support that expands access to care, advances medical education and improves the health of the communities we serve.”

For more information about the initiatives and fundraising opportunities associated with Marshall Health Network Foundations, visit mhnfoundations.org.