West Virginia Leaders and the CEO Pledge for Physical Activity

Join West Virginia business, nonprofit, and education leaders advancing workforce health through the CEO Pledge for Physical Activity. Together, we’re driving economic resilience, productivity, and community vitality across the Mountain State.

About the CEO Pledge

The CEO Pledge for Physical Activity is a nationwide campaign of the Physical Activity Alliance (PAA) inspiring organizational leaders to champion movement-friendly environments. By signing the pledge, business, nonprofit, education, and government leaders commit to fostering workplaces that support daily physical activity and help employees lead healthier, more productive lives.

The pledge aligns with the CDC’s Active People, Healthy Nation initiative, which aims to help 27 million Americans become more physically active by 2027.

Why It Matters

Physical activity is more than a wellness initiative, it’s an economic strategy. Research consistently links active lifestyles to a stronger, more resilient workforce.

Physically active employees report lower absenteeism and higher productivity (CDC Workplace Health Resource Center).
National estimates suggest that physical inactivity costs the U.S. economy more than $117 billion annually in healthcare expenses and lost productivity (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).
Active communities attract talent, enhance quality of life, and reduce long-term health expenditures, key drivers of regional competitiveness (U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation).

By joining the CEO Pledge, West Virginia leaders can help build a healthier workforce and a stronger state economy.

West Virginia’s Opportunity

West Virginia employers and community leaders have a unique role in shaping an active culture statewide. The ActiveWV 2030: West Virginia Physical Activity Plan provides the roadmap, outlining cross-sector strategies that connect physical activity to education, healthcare, business, and community design.

Priority Area Two of the plan emphasizes public awareness and social marketing within business and industry, calling on employers to lead by example. Programs such as the Active Southern WV Workplace Wellness Program already demonstrate how coordinated action can improve workforce health while reducing costs.

Together, these initiatives position West Virginia as a national model of economic resilience through active living.

Resources for Organizations

The Physical Activity Alliance offers practical tools to help organizations act:

CEO Pledge Strategy Menu – examples of movement-friendly policies in environment, staff, and systems.
Physical Activity Assessment at Work – evidence-based frameworks to design tailored workplace programs.
U.S. National Physical Activity Plan – national policy and program guidance for every sector.
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans – research-based recommendations on activity levels for health and productivity.

Additional infographics and educational materials are available through the Center for Active WV Resource Library.

Take the Pledge

Join West Virginia leaders strengthening workforce health and community prosperity. Sign the CEO Pledge for Physical Activity today and be recognized among the organizations helping to build a stronger, more active state.

Stay Involved

After signing the pledge, continue your leadership by:

Becoming a WV Physical Activity Plan organizational partner.
Sharing your organization’s success story to inspire others across the Mountain State.

Together, we can make West Virginia a place where healthy movement drives economic growth and community vitality.