Cathy Justice served as First Lady of West Virginia for eight years, dedicating much of her time in that role to improving the lives of children and families across the Mountain State. A graduate of Marshall University with a degree in education, her early experiences in the classroom gave her a firsthand understanding of the lasting difference a caring adult can make in the life of a child.

Education and service became central to Cathy’s work as First Lady. She was a passionate advocate for Communities In Schools® (CIS®), helping grow the initiative from a three-county pilot program into a statewide effort reaching all 55 counties and making West Virginia the first state in the nation to implement CIS statewide. Today, 273 schools participate in the program, supported by 279 site coordinators. More than 110,644 students have attended a CIS school, with 8,506 students receiving individualized case-managed support.

While these numbers demonstrate the extraordinary reach of Communities In Schools, Cathy has always believed its true impact is found in the individual lives behind them. Each number represents a child, a family, and a future worth investing in.

Cathy also developed Friends With Paws, an initiative within Communities In Schools that places certified therapy dogs in schools to provide students with comfort, companionship, and emotional support. The program has made a meaningful difference in school communities throughout West Virginia.

Cathy is married to U.S. Senator and former two-term West Virginia Governor Jim Justice. They have two children, Jay Justice and Dr. Jill Justice Long, and four grandchildren.

For Cathy, West Virginia is more than where she lives—it is home. Its people are her neighbors, and its children represent the future of the state she loves. Serving them has been both a privilege and a responsibility she holds close to her heart.