Dr. Clay Marsh's public service helps to keep West Virginians safe, inspire and motivate to brighter future

From calmly and coolly handling the governor’s press briefings to spending time on social media responding to a plethora of comments and questions, Marsh’s guidance is credited as part of the reason West Virginia’s response to the pandemic has helped to limit damage in one of the nation’s most vulnerable states.

For his contributions to the pandemic response, as well as his overall efforts to improve the health of West Virginians, Marsh has been honored for community service by WV News.

“Of all of the accolades that he brings to the table, the one thing that people may not see is he brings a steadiness and a calmness,” Justice said. “He knows that there’s rough edges all around everything. Clay understands we have to navigate the pandemic on many fronts.

“He gets it from the medical side and intellectual side, but he gets it step by step with me. He knows the impact on the business side and how that can affect all other aspects.”

“He’s calm under fire, and he knows just how important it is to keep everybody moving in the same direction,” Justice said. “He’s been a gift from God for all of us in West Virginia in a really, really trying time. I couldn’t be more proud for him.”

Marsh, who has been deeply involved in the evolution of health care in his roles with West Virginia University and WVU Medicine, has earned high praise for his efforts there as well.

And despite his expanded role as the state’s resident COVID-19 expert, Marsh remains highly active as the executive dean and vice president of WVU Health Sciences, as well as serving on the board of WVU Medicine.

The governor isn’t the only one who believes Marsh was destined to be available to help his beloved home state, as WVU President Dr. E. Gordon Gee said Marsh was meant to be here to provide guidance through these trying times.

“I have no doubt that Clay was destined to be at West Virginia University at this precise moment in time,” Gee said.

“He and his colleagues have brought real distinction to the state and West Virginia University. I know that his expertise has been invaluable, but more importantly, I believe Clay’s calm and caring demeanor has helped to ease fears and save lives.

“It is clear that he sees this responsibility as an opportunity to serve others and forge a brighter, healthier future for all,” Gee said.

Dr. Albert Wright, CEO and president of WVU Medicine, said Marsh’s vision and guidance have “been a godsend” for the Mountain State.

“Clay has provided exemplary leadership during this crisis, and continues to bring a highly focused and thoughtful approach to how best we should respond to the pandemic,” Wright said.

“He’s been a shining ray of light during a very challenging time, and his spirit, kindness and wisdom have been a godsend for the state,” Wright said.

For all the praise, Marsh is humbled and sees the true heroes as the people on the frontlines of the response, as well as West Virginians who have answered the challenge with a positive response.

He sees himself as blessed for being able to work with such visionary leaders as Justice and Gee, as well as all the members of the governor’s task force.

“I have a deep fondness and profound respect for Gov. Justice, his vision and leadership,” Marsh said. “When the governor asked me to help out with the COVID response, I was honored, and I still am.

“And President Gee is a terrific leader and mentor,” Marsh said. “It’s very generous of him to allow me this opportunity.”

Marsh said he’s been inspired by the efforts of the governor, the task force and the West Virginia National Guard.

“I’ve got to see so many talented people working for the right reasons, helping our state get better. The selfless work of (the state Department of Health and Human Resources) and the whole team ... (DHHR Secretary) Bill Crouch, (State Health Officer) Dr. Ayne Amjad and the amazing work and leadership of (West Virginia National Guard Adjutant) Maj. Gen. James Hoyer,” Marsh said.

“Bill Crouch is a wonderful human being. ... Maj. Gen. Hoyer is the best military leader in the nation’s National Guard. And Ayne Amjad is just fearless,” Marsh said.

“It’s a great group that I’m proud to be part of. I think West Virginia has done a wonderful job using our expertise, constantly sharing, constantly pushing each other, while emphasizing togetherness,” he said. “I’ve seen a deeper commitment to the state, which I believe will be carried into the future.”

Marsh said while there are critics of how the state has attempted to handle the pandemic — from those who don’t want to wear masks to those who oppose other steps used to combat the virus — he believes the majority of state residents stand ready to do what’s necessary for the overall good.

“I believe the overall goodness of the state of West Virginia is shining through. I’m so proud of the legislators, the people standing together,” Marsh said.

“As we’ve watched COVID-19 march across Europe, Italy, New York City, we’ve learned it is a very powerful infection. It has unfolded in a much more dynamic way than we could have imagined,” he said. “But what we’ve learned, is that as West Virginians, we’ve been very innovative in creating PPE, decontamination, our testing plan, our vaccine plan.”

“It has been devastating for those impacted personally, and my heart and soul go to them. But we are a state that really cares and serves each other. I think maybe the whole country is taking notice of our efforts. We’re really proud of what we’ve done,” Marsh said. “And we’re hoping that each citizen can pick up this spirit. We are a worthy people with every reason to believe we have a great future.”

Ultimately for Marsh, that’s the goal — to help West Virginians remain safe and find success in the future.

“Our people are our most valuable asset,” he said. “Ultimately, for us to be successful, we each have to take the personal responsibility.

“I feel privileged to contribute anything I can to help others. ... I don’t want to convince anybody that I’m right and they’re not. What I want is to appeal to those better angels; in crises, the best of people come out.”