Quality people. Quality outcomes.
The Fletcher Group’s success comes from its people—our leadership, staff, executive board, national advisors, and Recovery Kentucky advisors. Meet them all below!
Leadership
Fighter pilot, physician, statesman and healthcare visionary, Ernie was elected in 1998 to the first of three consecutive terms in the United States House of Representatives. In 2003, he was elected the 60th Governor of Kentucky. As the founder of the Fletcher Group, Ernie continues a legacy of public service and innovations in health and human services that promises to extend sustainable models of recovery service supports and recovery residences throughout rural America.
Glenna brings many years of experience in program management and public health to her role. As the First Lady of Kentucky, she championed the well-being of Kentuckians by establishing Read to Achieve, targeting students that fell behind in reading, and Get Healthy Kentucky, addressing lifestyle challenges. A registered nurse by training, Glenna previously championed maternal health through the University of Kentucky Young Parents Program, helping pregnant teens prepare for birth and parenthood.
Dave has over 35 years of experience leading program development with a focus on holistic service models that address physical and mental health, substance use, and social determinants of health. He provides leadership in developing innovative programs and services for those experiencing a substance use disorder and health related social needs. His areas of expertise include value-based payment models, integrated care models, and research and evaluation with a focus on outcomes-informed care.
Janice brings 25 years of experience as a progressive leader in the healthcare industry. She excels at facilitating multidisciplinary groups, collaborating with community stakeholders and public policy makers, and formulating long-term strategic plans based on clearly defined goals and accurate, in-depth data analysis. Janice currently serves on the Idaho Governor’s Opioid Task Force and is a board member of Idaho’s Insurance Exchange and High Risk Reinsurance Pool.
Outreach, Technical Assistance, and Training
Lori oversees the Recovery, Hope, Opportunity and Resiliency (RHOAR) initiative, a workforce training and employment program which recognizes that employment can be as important to an individual’s sense of self-worth as it is to their financial independence. She assists communities to create impactful workforce development initiatives. In her previous five year work creating second-chance career opportunities, Lori developed and taught Accelerating Opportunity Kentucky GED+ programs.
An experienced addiction counselor, Nate has broad management experience as director of an Oregon inpatient program and in alternative treatment pathways through drug courts and reentry programs. He provides assistance to recovery support providers in program development and operations, helping clients build skills in project management. Nate serves on the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals, working to recognize and advocate for clinicians and peers.
Dedicated to finding strategies that support sustained, long term recovery, Jade has 13+ years of experience in SUD services including recovery housing. He collaborates at local and statewide levels with behavioral health providers to educate, advocate and enhance recovery support services and treatment systems. Jade specializes in facility milieu and developing a client culture that stabilizes client retention and provides holistic healthcare.
Erin has twenty years of administrative experience in substance use and mental health treatment, and recovery housing. She has supported numerous recovery houses open, expand capacity, and helped agencies incorporate recovery support services and social determinants of health into treatment and community programs. Erin serves on the advisory council for the Kentucky Recovery Housing Network and on the Beacon House and Talbot House boards. Erin has a passion for removing barriers to recovery.
Andrew identifies and develops policies and proposals to help communities strengthen local recovery services and systems. He has served in policy roles regarded substance use at the federal level and most recently served as Chief of Staff to the Federal Co-Chairman of the Appalachian Regional Commission. Andrew understands how policy can shape our response to the opioid epidemic and related challenges, and his insight helps the Fletcher Group in developing successful projects for our clients.
Matt works to help faith-based organizations grow their impact within the recovery ecosystems in their communities. Previously he worked as a pastor who empowered his congregation to engage in recovery work in their West Virginia community. Matt founded the Abundant Life Recovery Housing Network, a non-profit recovery residence organization in West Virginia. As an experienced founder and operator of recovery housing, Matt is a sought after public speaker.
Vicki advises on financing, compliance, and operational concerns in recovery housing. A veteran administrator in recovery facilities, her guidance is based on decades of direct experience. She served on the Recovery Kentucky Task Force and the Governor’s Housing Policy Advisory Committee, receiving the Robert Straus Award for Excellence, Kentucky’s highest honor for SUD professionals. The assistance she provides is based on professional work experience and a passion for helping people.
Rachael assists recovery allies and recovery housing operators build effective programs and put together the financing necessary to support their clients in sustaining long term recovery. She collaborates with a wide range of partners to improve the capacity and quality of recovery housing and services throughout Ohio and her native Pennsylvania. Rachael previously resided in Washington, DC, where she helped raise capital improvement funds for one of the nation's largest school districts.
John’s leadership as Kentucky’s Commissioner of Corrections helped to establish Recovery Kentucky, providing support and housing alternatives to incarceration. John was inducted into his alumni’s Hall of Fame at Florida State’s School of Criminology, reflecting his exceptional professional, personal, and service achievements. John is a strong and active proponent in creating alternative treatment and support pathways for those with drug-related crimes.
Anne works with recovery support service providers, recovery residences, community health centers and state Medicaid agencies to integrate treatment and recovery support services. She has a special focus on helping providers to safely improve their clients’ access to addiction medications. As director of University of Washington AIMS Advancing Integrated Mental Health Solutions Center, Anne led an interdisciplinary team in training providers to address the opioid epidemic.
Milena works with housing authorities, housing operators, and Medicaid agencies to expand and finance recovery support services. Building on management experience as a strategist and innovator in integrated health systems, she helps organizations implement programs and reimbursement strategies that integrate housing into value-based insurance contracts. A dually licensed clinician, her relationship skills and systems approach are especially useful in addressing challenges in rural communities.
Kathy engages correctional and legal systems to recognize the impact of addiction and implement evidence-based practices as alternatives to incarceration. Kathy’s experience in the Kentucky Department of Corrections bridged facilities, the community, and addiction services while implementing and supporting new programming. She helps build systems that utilize treatment and recovery services to reduce recidivism and promote successful reentry.
Kristin works with organizations to develop and sustain recovery housing and support services in rural communities. Experienced in workplace initiatives, she promotes understanding of the many barriers to employment and safe housing that people released from jails and treatment facilities often face. As a person with lived experience, Kristin knows first-hand how important housing, a sober support system and meaningful employment are to a person's long-term recovery.
Erica, a clinician with a decade of experience supporting those affected by substance use and trauma, is passionate about integrating clinical services with recovery housing and the peer-led social model. She collaborates with housing operators and recovery support service providers with a focus on rural communities. Kentucky-based, Erica has extensive experience helping organizations to identify resources and funding opportunities, engage local stakeholders and manage operations and policies.
A former administrator at Montana Child and Family Services, Scott also brings experience in law enforcement from his career in the Kalispell Police Department. Scott works with state agencies, housing operators, tribes and NARR affiliates to expand access to recovery support services. Previously recognized as Montana’s Officer of the Year, he understands how social determinants impact recovery capital and create reentry challenges. Scott's experience underscores his commitment to public service.
Jennifer is an educator, advocate and consultant in recovery services committed to holistic strategies in criminal justice and recovery models that best serve marginalized, pregnant, and parenting populations. She has expertise in facilitating multidisciplinary teams in developing alternatives to incarceration with a broad background in criminal justice, and community organizing. In long-term recovery since 2007, Jennifer draws on her diverse professional and lived experience to inform her work.
With 18 years as a program director of recovery houses in rural Kentucky, Tony has positively impacted many lives, including those in reentry from prison. With expertise in implementing peer-led social models, Tony trains house operators and staff throughout the US. He is serving a second term on Kentucky’s Corrections Commission so he can work at the intersection of recovery and criminal system reform. Tony’s personal journey exemplifies resilience and a passion for creating positive change.
Angela brings expertise in developing supportive housing. Her journey began in 1993 while serving as the LIHTC and HOME administrator for Florida’s housing finance agency. She works with multiple USDA, rural, and for-profit and non-profit developers. Driven by her passion to help vulnerable populations, she spearheaded funding of supportive housing units and low-income projects in Florida. Angela has firsthand experience in recovery and has owned and operated a sober living home for women in Florida.
With over 40 years of service supporting individuals battling addiction, Karyn has broad experience in non-profit and state government sectors where she’s worked to expand the continuum of care and increase capacity. Her compassion and expertise have been instrumental in shaping policies and programs combating addiction. Karyn currently chairs the Kentucky Alcohol and Drug Counselor’s Board and serves on the Louisville Metro Board of Health and the Kentucky Physician’s Health Foundation board.
Tanya has many years of experience managing clinical services in behavioral health, addictions counseling and treatment. For the past 20 years, she has focused on helping people with opioid use disorder gain access to needed medications and treatment, supporting both individuals and families struggling with addiction. Originally from Missouri, Tanya is a long time Kentucky resident whose background in social work underscores her commitment to improving lives and fostering positive change.
Research and Evaluation
Robin provides overall guidance and support to the research team. With over ten years of experience in public health research, she has expertise in mixed methods study design, survey development, and program evaluation. Dedicated to preventive medicine and promotion of healthy behaviors, she completed her MPH in Health Behavior and DrPH in Epidemiology from the University of Kentucky College of Public Health in 2014 and 2019, respectively.
As a health economist, Madison leads various research projects related to substance use disorder stigma, the economic impacts of recovery support services, and program evaluation. She has expertise in designing evaluation protocols, developing survey instruments, implementing data collection processes, completing complex statistical analyses, and using economic modeling for program evaluation. She earned her PhD in economics from the University of Wyoming in 2023.
A graduate of Portland State University, Grace helps evaluate the impact and effectiveness of recovery support services, with a focus on policies related to recovery housing, measurement of client outcomes and recovery capital. Her evaluation interests include the impact of Oregon’s drug decriminalization and the state’s expansion of recovery support services. Grace coordinates work underway on numerous research and evaluation projects.
Online Learning, Support, and Communications
Karen manages curriculum development for the extensive coursework and content available through the Fletcher Group Rural Recovery Housing Online Learning Center. With her studies in adult education, she was previously co-creator of the Mobile Technology Lab that delivered STEM-based educational experiences to K-12 schools in Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. She also led workforce development at Ashland Community and Technical College, where she chaired the Young Women Lead program.
Michelle is often the first point of contact for those requesting assistance or with other inquiries for the Fletcher Group team. Her work experience in coordinating Homeland Security training involved (scheduling, extensive logistical support, and data management - preparing her to keep the Fletcher Group on track! She makes it easy for our clients to connect with the right staff members and resources in implementing and expanding recovery support services and recovery residences.
Richard manages the Fletcher Group website, newsletter and other communication with stakeholders. Throughout his career in advertising, Richard has worked as a writer, editor, and communications specialist for numerous Fortune 1000 companies including Hewlett-Packard, IBM, and Yamaha. The commercials, videos, websites, ads, editorials, and speeches he has developed have contributed to successful campaigns in a range of industries including healthcare, government, investment and manufacturing.
Trained and experienced in both graphic design and marketing, Kiara manages the Fletcher Group’s Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube social media resources. Kiara previously served in VISTA AmeriCorps supporting the Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky. She continues to volunteer with Kentucky’s Recovery Ready Communities, a program designed to help communities maximize positive outcomes for Kentuckians in need of addiction treatment and support services.
Joshua graduated from Grove City College in Pennsylvania where he majored in physics, minored in math with a concentration in computer software. He uses his computing and network skills to support the Fletcher Group’s staff through IT support, training and software development. Josh previously volunteered in Africa where he provided IT support and training to hospital staff.
Our Executive Board
Mira Ball and her husband Don started Ball Homes in 1959, developing it into one of the top 100 builders of single-family homes in the nation. Ball has always been an active member of the Lexington community. In 1991, she became the first woman president of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce. She also is the first woman ever elected to the Kentucky Utilities Board of Directors. From 2007 to 2010, she served as chair of the UK Board of Trustees, becoming the first woman to do so. She was also named as the first chairwoman of the Midway College Board of Trustees and continues to serve on that board as a Life Trustee. She has worked with the State Economic Development Task Force and was a part of the Governor’s Commission on Tax Policy. She has served on numerous boards including the United Way of the Bluegrass, the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation, the Children’s Advocacy Center, the Kentucky Historical Society, and the Kentucky Horse Park. She continues to serve on the Endowment Board of Kentucky Educational Television (KET). Mrs. Ball received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education from the University of Kentucky. In 2016, she was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters recognizing extraordinary contributions to philanthropy, human development, education, or societal well- being from U.K. She has three children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Luther currently serves as Chairman, President, and CEO of Central Bancshares, Inc. and Central Bank & Trust Co., Lexington, KY. He has served, and continues to serve, on many outside Boards, including the American Bankers Association; the Lexington Chamber of Commerce; the Kentucky Bankers Association; the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce; the Kentucky State Police Foundation; the Judicial Compensation Commission, Frankfort, KY.; Transylvania University; Gatton College of Business & Economics/University of KY.; and the U.K. Hospital Board. Luther is involved in numerous civic and community organizations throughout Kentucky. He recently received the Transylvania University Medal for outstanding service to the community and in past years the Community Service Award from the Urban League of Lexington; the Tribute Award for Outstanding Service to the Commonwealth of Kentucky; the Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass Hall of Fame Laureate; and the Governor’s Economic Development Leadership Award for the State of Kentucky. He is also a Recipient of the John R. Wooden Award presented by the Lexington Theological Seminary.
Fighter pilot, board-certified physician, statesman, and healthcare visionary, Ernie Fletcher was elected in 1998 to the first of three consecutive terms in the United States House of Representatives. In 2003 he was elected the 60th Governor of Kentucky. As Founder of the Fletcher Group, Ernie continues a legacy of innovative public service that promises to extend the company's unique model of "Recovery Ecosystems" to states across the country.
From her early practice as a Register Nurse to her position as Kentucky’s First Lady during her husband’s two-term governorship, Glenna’s primary passion has always been to help others. Untiring in her efforts to protect the health and safety of children, she championed the “Get Healthy KY!” program, guided the “Keep Children Alcohol Free” Foundation and led the establishment of the “Read To Achieve” program instituted at over 150 elementary schools. At the Fletcher Group, she divides her time between operational management and strategic initiatives.
With a career spanning over 35 years, Dave has served in multiple capacities in the mental health and human services fields. He brings a broad perspective on addressing children, families, communities, and system needs. Throughout his tenure, he has led efforts to improve human services practices and policies to boost positive results and give voice to those in need. Before joining the Fletcher Group, Dave held positions ranging from psychiatric social worker and head of Group Homes for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges, Professor and Chair of Social Work at Boise State University, Senior Administration in Managed Care, to Chief Administrative Officer and Professor for Department of Psychiatry Clinical Services at Wayne State University. Dave has provided leadership in program development and evaluation with a specific focus on holistic service models that address physical health, mental health, substance abuse, and social determinants of health. Most recently, Dave directed Anthem’s Medicaid Health Home initiatives in multiple states as well as designed, implemented, and evaluated an integrated care program in primary care/FQHC settings in eight states recognized as a best practice by the Institute for Medicaid Innovation 2016-2017.
His successful grant writing experiences include being awarded over $7 million in funding from Federal and State Agencies and Private Foundations. Building on these experiences Dave is committed to promoting the health and well-being of children, youth, adults, families and communities through the Fletcher Groups’ program activities. Dave holds a master’s degree in social work from Rutgers, School of Social Work.
After 22 years as an Air Traffic Control Officer Danny in the Air Force, Danny served on numerous airborne drug interdiction missions in and out of South America. Increasingly frustrated by the inability to prevent drugs from flowing into the United States, Danny became convinced that the only way to combat the nation’s growing drug epidemic was to address demand. Today, through his efforts with Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered recovery program, and his work with local halfway houses, Danny works to improve the mental health treatments and community support needed to combat addiction and rebuild lives.
A graduate of Vanderbilt where she studied Economics and Business Management, Hillary currently serves as Director of Purchasing and Costing for Ball Homes, the company her grandparents, Don and Mira, founded and built into one of the nation’s major home builders. In addition to managing the company’s Costing and Estimating Department, she spearheads the implementation of new software designed to integrate sales and accounting, oversees the budgeting of single-family homes under construction, and negotiates pricing with suppliers and vendors. Like her grandparents a dedicated Kentuckian, Hillary has also mentored children and worked to attract investment, create employment opportunities, and spur economic growth in central Kentucky.
Before serving on the Gill Heart and Vascular Institute Director’s Council in Lexington, Kentucky, Susan studied Radiology Technology at Morehead State University, ran a successful private business, served as a trustee and past president of the Women’s Club of Central Kentucky, and participated on several others boards including the Women’s Heart Health Advisory Board and “Cowboy Up for a Cure” which is dedicated to ending childhood cancer.
Our National Advisors
Known for her contributions to philanthropy, human development, and education, the Honorary Chairman of the Fletcher Group’s National Advisory Board has served as the first woman president of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, the first woman ever elected to the Kentucky Utilities Board of Directors, and the first woman to serve as chair of the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees.
In addition to contributing to numerous civic and community organizations, Luther serves on numerous Boards of Directors including the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, the Kentucky Bankers Association, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the Kentucky State Police Foundation, the Judicial Compensation Commission, Transylvania University, the University of Kentucky Gatton College of Business and Economics, and the U. Hospital Board.
Under Sheridan's leadership, the National Alliance of Recovery Residencies has proven adept at providing Technical Assistance and statewide recovery housing certifications. Sheridan has been active in the recovery field for over 15 years and has served on numerous recovery housing boards. In addition to helping develop oversight and legislation of recovery housing, he is also a nationally known speaker and writer on addiction recovery.
With over 17 years experience as an injury epidemiologist, Dr. Bunn has published over 60 peer-reviewed publications on a wide range of subjects including the prevention of drug intoxication. Her surveillance of drug overdose fatalities and community interventions has resulted in the FindHelpNowKY.org website where those suffering from Substance Use Disorder can quickly find treatment. Dr. Bunn received her doctorate from Cornell University and is a Professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health at the University of Kentucky, College of Public Health. She is Director of the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (KIPRC) where she conducts research regarding the prevention of motor vehicle injuries and drug poisonings among both general public and working populations. Dr. Bunn serves as Co-Investigator of the HRSA-funded Fletcher Group Rural Center of Excellence, Co-Principal Investigator of the CDC-funded Kentucky Drug Overdose To Action Program, Principal Investigator of the NIOSH-funded Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Surveillance System, and Principal Investigator of the Kentucky State Injury Prevention Program.
As Executive Director of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), Fraser has developed considerable expertise in mobilizing communities to address major public health issues, including the opioid epidemic.
The former Director of USDA Rural Development in Kentucky is dedicated to expanding broadband, telehealth, and distance learning to benefit rural Kentuckians. She also works with the USDA to repurpose surplus rural USDA properties for use in recovery housing.
As the former Vice President of the Corporation for Supportive Housing, Hunter directed the development of major supportive housing facilities throughout the west, including over 3,000 housing units in Los Angeles. Currently working with LaSar Consulting, Mr. Hunter has a direct personal understanding of the pathways of recovery and developed a national survey on state efforts to build recovery housing.
Dr. Vincent serves as Science Advisor to the Fletcher Group in a personal capacity apart from his duties with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As Senior Advisor to the CDC’s Office of the Associate Director for Policy and Strategy, he currently works closely with the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General to develop a soon-to-be published report on community health and economic prosperity.
The former Kentucky Commissioner of Public Health has a personal passion for helping the least vulnerable, having grown up in a rural Kentucky family devastated by SUDs.
Williams is Co-Creator of Facing Addiction, an alliance with healthcare industry leaders dedicated to solving the addiction crisis. He has won awards for making feature length documentaries such as “The Anonymous People” and “Generation Found.” As a person in long-term recovery from addiction, he has dedicated his life to creating positive changes for the over 20 million Americans still struggling with addiction.
Our Recovery Kentucky Advisors
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