[January 15, 2025 – Huntington, WV] – Valley Health Systems, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Matthew Christiansen as its new Vice President of Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Christiansen brings to the role significant healthcare expertise and a deep passion for improving public health, particularly in underserved and rural populations.
Dr. Christiansen is a dual-board certified physician in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine. His clinical expertise is complemented by a distinguished career in public health and healthcare leadership. Notably, he served as the State Health Officer and Commissioner for the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health, where he led a team of more than 650 people and managed a budget of over $450 million. During his tenure, Dr. Christiansen spearheaded major initiatives, including launching the first comprehensive State Health Assessment and Improvement Plan in over 12 years and a statewide anti-vaping campaign in partnership with the public and private sectors.
As State Health Officer, Dr. Christiansen focused on bringing public health back to the basics of protecting the public from preventable illnesses and rebuilding trust and relationships with the Bureau and Department. He made outreach and collaboration with stakeholders such as health systems, universities, and local health departments a core focus, and moved the Department towards an evaluation and outcomes-based approach to public health. He is a strong believer in the power of relationships and the importance of storytelling to advance the field and improve health outcomes in WV, all core values he brings to his new role at Valley Health Systems.
In addition to his role at the Bureau for Public Health, Dr. Christiansen has had an extensive career in academia as an Associate Professor at the Marshall University School of Medicine, where he was both the Chief Resident during his residency and a Health Policy Fellow. He has been deeply involved in addressing the opioid crisis through his leadership in the WV Office of Drug Control Policy, where he oversaw a $25M+ budget and developed innovative initiatives, including a first-of-its-kind overdose prediction model and the state’s first addiction awards recognition program.
Dr. Christiansen’s leadership experience extends to his past service as Board President and Medical Director of the Ebenezer Medical Outreach Free Clinic, as well as his current involvement with the West Virginia First Foundation, where he has played a key role in establishing principles for the state’s $800 million opioid abatement initiative.
A respected voice in public health, Dr. Christiansen has testified before the U.S. Congress and the West Virginia Legislature and has delivered over 50 lectures on public health and addiction medicine at national and state conferences. His extensive media experience includes interviews with outlets such as NPR and the Associated Press.
A native of Spencer, West Virginia, Dr. Christiansen holds a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Marshall University, a Master of Public Health (MPH), and a Bachelor of Science from Denison University. He has been recognized as one of the “40 Under 40” by The State Journal and served as President of AOA, the Medical Honor Society.
Dr. Christiansen recently shared his thoughts about joining Valley Health as the VP of Health Affairs and CMO:
“This role is a natural extension of my public service. Under Dr. Weimer’s leadership, Valley Health is growing to meet the needs of West Virginians in new and innovative ways. I look forward to hitting the ground running to continue our incredible mission of serving all West Virginians, regardless of their ability to pay.”
Dr. Mathew Weimer, President & CEO of Valley Health, reflects on the importance of this moment for the organization:
“We are confident that Dr. Christiansen’s extensive expertise, clear vision, and strong leadership will be instrumental in improving healthcare quality & delivery, promoting wellness, and tackling ongoing public health challenges in our communities. This is a pivotal time in Valley Health’s history, as we continue to evolve as an organization and strengthen collaborations and partnerships throughout the region. I am particularly enthusiastic to add Dr. Christiansen to our team at this important time.”
