About the Speaker

Reed Byers uses his lived experience with mental illness and addiction to empower others to find their unique road to recovery while promoting health and relationship building throughout the community. As an individual who needed help and support, he knows firsthand the value of having someone available to support, cheer and assist in the process of change.

Through his work he is dedicated to sharing that there is hope for those who struggle with mental health and addiction. This effort is a community-wide effort, and Byers works throughout the community to address the needs.  He believes that, "Community problems require community solutions.  As active participants in the community, we are responsible to lift one another up and support growth and change."

Byers is a Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist, a Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) Certified Race Director, community organizer, and mental health and youth advocate. 

Reed stays active in his community by serving as a member of the Parkersburg Area Jaycees and on the Board of Directors for Artsbridge.  

Reed has been recognized for his work in the community by Philanthropy West Virginia with the 2021 Spirit of Philanthropy - Individual Philanthropist Award, by GiveMore Connections with the 2021 "Birdie Award",  and by the Mid-Ohio Valley Chamber of Commerce as the 2022 Young Business Leader of the Year.