Gov. Underwood asked Rev. Dr. F. Emerson Wood of Huntington to serve as the organization’s first executive director. A board of directors numbering 21 women and men were recruited. These directors represented all areas of the state and were comprised of religious leaders, business leaders, community organizers, leaders of higher education and various other professionals. 501(c)(3) status was granted by the Internal Revenue Service in 1997. Under Dr. Wood’s leadership, Mission West Virginia began to grow and flourish. Early program successes included a statewide recruitment of adoptive and foster parents, a program called Faith and Families that linked local congregations with families receiving public assistance, and the beginning of the organization’s technology initiative. After serving eighteen months as the organization’s program and development director, Rev. Chris A. Wood was elected the second executive director in the organization’s history following the retirement of Dr. Emerson Wood at the conclusion of 2001. Later in 2002, Mr. B. David Rogers, who has been with Mission West Virginia almost since its inception, was named the organizations’ associate director. Under Rev. Wood’s leadership, the six present initiatives have been developed and expanded. The organization’s central office was relocated to St. Albans, WV in June, 2003, while the 13,000 square foot warehouse and computer assembly facility is located in Huntington, WV. Since its inception, Mission West Virginia has been successful at securing financial support from state and federal government grants, private foundations, corporations, and individuals. Good stewardship of resources entrusted to the care of Mission West Virginia has been a hallmark of the organization from its very beginning. More than 200 agencies, organizations and communities of faith have actively collaborated with Mission West Virginia over the past few years. The organization has been widely recognized as an innovative and effective non-profit organization to provide support and resources to local congregations and other non-profit organizations throughout West Virginia, as well as eastern Kentucky.