Founder & Executive Director and President, The Hope Dealer Project

Tara Mayson is the force behind The Hope Dealer Project and the architect of West Virginia Goes Purple—a historic movement that united all 55 counties and positioned West Virginia as the first state in the nation to fully stand up for recovery during National Recovery Month.

Since 2015, Tara has been on the frontlines of the overdose crisis, not just raising awareness—but doing the work. She connects individuals to treatment, supports families in crisis, and is one of the only leaders in the state who steps in to assist families after overdose loss—when most others step away.

Her leadership doesn’t operate from a distance. It’s built in real time, in real situations, with real people. She has created a statewide network of advocates, partners, and communities committed to changing the narrative around addiction—from one of stigma to one of strength, hope, and recovery.

Tara also brings over 15 years of federal government experience in policy, regulatory affairs, and program operations—giving her the rare ability to drive impact at both the grassroots and systems level.

Her message is clear and unapologetic: recovery is possible, people deserve support, and West Virginia will not be defined by its statistics.

Tara Mayson isn’t just leading a movement—she’s changing the trajectory of an entire state.