The Mountaineer of Honor Selection Committee is pleased to announce that Dr. Kelly R. Nelson, a distinguished physician and philanthropist, has been selected as the 2025 recipient of United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties’ prestigious Mountaineer of Honor award. This annual award is dedicated to recognizing an outstanding professional who has made a lasting impact both professionally and philanthropically in North Central West Virginia and across the state.
Although he was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Dr. Kelly Nelson has exemplified what it means to be a Mountaineer throughout his career. Dr. Nelson attended Auburn University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Biology in 1982. He then earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1986. Upon graduation, he moved to West Virginia to undertake a residency in Family Medicine at United Hospital Center, becoming board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.
Dr. Nelson’s professional journey is marked by his dedication to healthcare and community service. After owning and operating Medbrook for a quarter of a century, he merged his business with MedExpress. He became Senior Vice President of MedExpress for Special Projects and Corporate Care, managing Occupational Medicine and Workers Compensation cases across multiple states and over 100 centers. In 2014, he joined the Medical Staff at WVU Medicine UHC as a primary care provider, a position he still holds today.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Nelson has demonstrated an exceptional personal commitment to philanthropy and community development. He is the founder and president of Medbrook Children’s Charity, an organization that has raised more than $2 million for local underprivileged children since its inception in 2000. Dr. Nelson also serves on the Board of Directors for Mon Valley Bank and has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including Distinguished West Virginian, Health Care Hero, and Citizen of the Year by the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce.
“The countless hours he spends behind the scenes are just one reason Dr. Nelson is so deserving of this honor. The charity’s annual donation to the Harrison County Board of Education reached a milestone of $1,000,000 last year. It is Dr. Nelson’s hard work and determination that made this possible. Because of him, children in Harrison County don’t have to go without. He has been a gift in my life and a bigger gift to the children of Harrison County,” said Dr. Jaclyn Rominger, Vice President & Donations Chair, Medbrook Children’s Charity.
Dr. Nelson’s dedication to giving back to the community reflects the true spirit of a Mountaineer. His contributions have made a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals and organizations in the area he chose to call home. The Mountaineer of Honor award ceremony was held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Pete Dye Golf Club. The event celebrated Dr. Nelson’s remarkable contributions and his embodiment of Mountaineer values. Distinguished guests, community leaders, and industry professionals gathered to honor Dr. Nelson’s achievements and to pay tribute to his legacy.
“We are delighted to recognize Dr. Nelson as the United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties’ 2025 Mountaineer of Honor,” said Martin Howe, Executive Director of UWHDC. “His outstanding professional accomplishments and dedication to our community are truly commendable. Congratulations, Dr. Nelson!”
About the United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties
The United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties is dedicated to improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good. We focus on education, financial stability, and health—the building blocks for a good quality of life. Through partnerships and collaborations, we support a network of local agencies and programs that provide essential services to individuals and families in need. Our mission is to create lasting change and make a positive impact in our community. For more information, visit UnitedWayHDC.org.
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