Our Team

Quality people.

Quality outcomes.

The Fletcher Group’s success comes from its people—Our Staff, Executive Board, National Advisors and Recovery Kentucky Advisors. Meet them all below!

Our Staff

ERNIE FLETCHER
Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer

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.

Read Governor Fletcher's extensive Wikipedia Bio
GLENNA FLETCHER
Co-Founder

From her early practice as a Register Nurse to her position as Kentucky’s First Lady, Glenna has always been driven by a passion to help others. Untiring in her concern for 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 at over 150 elementary schools. At the Fletcher Group, she divides her time between operational management and strategic initiatives.

DAVE JOHNSON
CEO

Dave has over 35 years of experience leading program development with a specific focus on holistic service models that address physical health, mental health, substance abuse, and social determinants of health. His successful grant-writing experiences include being awarded over $27 million in funding from federal and state agencies as well as private foundations.

JANICE FULKERSON
Chief Operating Officer

Skilled at adapting to new situations, Janice brings to the Fletcher Group 25 years of experience as a progressive leader in the healthcare industry, including the contracting and credentialing of hospitals, physicians, and other healthcare professionals. Janice excels at supervising individuals and 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. A graduate of Boise State University’s School of Social Work, Janice currently serves on the Governor’s Opioid Task Force and is a Board Member of Idaho’s Insurance Exchange as well as the state’s High Risk Reinsurance Pool. A Rotarian and member of the United States Army Ready Reserve, Janice has nurtured young professionals and others as a Boise Chamber of Commerce Mentor since 2016 and a Big Brother’s Big Sister’s volunteer since 2012. A past Board Member of the Treasure Valley Meals-on-Wheels program, she has also served on Boise State Public Radio’s Community Advisory Board. Her undying commitment to serving others has not gone unnoticed. She was named Big Sister of the Year in 2016 and was an Idaho Business Review Woman of the Year Honoree in 2015 and 2016. A long-time Rotarian, she is the Current Governor Nominee for Rotary District 5400. As if that wasn’t enough, Janice is currently working on a Graduate Certificate in Mediation and Conflict Resolution.

TONY WHITE
Director of Outreach

Tony comes to the Fletcher Group with over 12 years of experience as a Program Director of two peer-led, peer-driven, social model Recovery Kentucky programs in Eastern Kentucky, an area heavily impacted by substance use disorders and addiction. Tony learned the value of substance use recovery by watching his father recover, his family reunite, and his father become a respected and well-loved community member in his hometown of Evanston, Illinois. Tony’s commitment to long-term recovery began in 2003, in a recovery ecosystem of mentorship, love and support. This healing and inspirational recovery environment was the genesis of his passion to assist individuals, families, and communities in pursuing their long-term recovery goals. Recovery Kentucky will miss Tony’s ability to facilitate client and public relations, mentor peer-driven support groups, and collaborate with drug courts, the Kentucky Housing Corporation, and state, county, and city criminal justice agencies. On the other hand, Tony is now in the perfect position to spur a nationwide cultural shift, replacing stigma and criminalization with effective recovery options and treatment, leading to social reintegration and solid recovery capital. Tony’s familiarity with the Recovery Kentucky program will be crucial to fulfilling the Fletcher Group’s original mission of extending the Recovery Kentucky model nationwide. Tony has served as an Alumni Representative on the Healing Place Board of Directors and currently serves as a Board Member of numerous organizations, including the governor-appointed Kentucky State Corrections Commission, CAPTASA (Clinical Applications of the Principles in Treatment of Addictions and Substance Abuse), and PAR (People Advocating Recovery) where he also serves as Treasurer.

GRANT MEYER
Vice President of Project Development

As Vice President of Project Development, Grant applies a unique and extensive blend of experience ideally suited to developing sustainable Recovery Ecosystems. Both a city planner and an economic developer, he is highly adept at building consensus, finding solutions, and advancing innovation. He serves as the Fletcher Group’s lead advisor on a wide range of issues, from finance and housing to product development and real estate. His education includes a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from Harvard University with a concentration in Real Estate Development and Finance.

ANDREW HOWARD
Director Of Policy

A Kentucky native, Andrew has spent his career developing and advancing policies to address our nation's substance use disorder crisis. Most recently, he served as Chief of Staff to the Federal Co-Chairman of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) where he helped federal, state, and local partners build and strengthen recovery ecosystems designed to help Appalachians maintain long-term recovery and obtain sustainable employment. Prior to that, Andrew served as Vice President of Federal Affairs at the Addiction Policy Forum where he worked with impacted family members across the nation to advocate for a comprehensive response to the nation's opioid epidemic. As Director of Federal Affairs at the Justice Action Network, Andrew helped improve policies to reduce recidivism and help individuals in the criminal justice system successfully re-enter society. In addition, he served on the staff of Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell where his work included collaborating with law enforcement to combat drug trafficking.

JOHN REES
Criminal Justice Specialist

John Rees is the Fletcher Group’s SME (Subject Matter Expert) regarding criminal justice and treatment and recovery options. His experience is vast. As Kentucky’s Commissioner of Corrections he worked with recovery centers to provide alternatives to incarceration for offenders from prisons, jails and community supervision. He has served as a Warden, Facility Administrator or Consultant in numerous states, including Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and New Mexico. At the Corrections Corporation of America, he served as Vice President of Business Development, overseeing governmental affairs on both the state and federal level. John has published several articles related to the criminal justice system including Establishing Partnerships Between Correctional Agencies and University Researchers to Enhance Substance Abuse Treatment Initiatives and is the author of the book, My Life: John D. Rees's Four-Decade Career in Corrections. In 2013 John was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Florida State University’s School of Criminology. His expertise, experience, and networking skills play a key role in the Fletcher Group’s ability to offer alternative paths to those with drug-related crimes so that they can find the treatment they so desperately need.

KATHY TAYLOR
Director of Criminal Justice Initiatives

Kathy launched her 30-year Department of Corrections career as an Adult Institutions Corrections Officer and Case Manager, then worked with Kentucky’s Division of Probation and Parole to develop and implement a Substance Use Disorder Program to treat and guide justice-involved adults. As a Program Administrator and Branch Manager, Kathy managed community counselors while expanding the state’s community-based SUD program. She served as liaison between the Kentucky Department of Corrections and the Recovery Kentucky recovery housing program established by then-governor Ernie Fletcher and also oversaw the SUD therapeutic communities inside DOC prisons and jails. Kathy received a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology at Kentucky Wesleyan University, a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Eastern Kentucky University, and served for several years as a Corrections and Community Representative for the Institutional Research Board of the University of Kentucky’s Office of Research Integrity.

LORI BAIER
Director of Employment Services

Twenty-eight years as a Registered Nurse have given Lori a keen understanding of healthcare’s diverse population base. In the five years before joining the Fletcher Group, Lori devoted herself to creating second-chance career opportunities for the most vulnerable by developing and teaching AOKY/GED+ (Accelerating Opportunity Kentucky/General Educational Development) programs at Ashland Community and Technical College in Ashland, Kentucky. She has spent the last four years creating innovative workforce development and social enterprise opportunities through the Fletcher Group's RHOAR (Recovery, Hope, Opportunity, and Resiliency) program funded by an ARC POWER Grant from the Appalachian Regional Commision. Most recently, she's led workforce development initiatives through The Fletcher Group Rural Center of Excellence (RCOE)—a multi-state resource supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  Her ability to reduce barriers and bridge gaps in education plays a key role in the Fletcher Group’s promotion of recovery through the kind of meaningful employment that rebuilds lives, restores families, and revitalizes local communities.

MICHELLE DAY
RCOE Director of Administration

In her previous position, Michelle coordinated and implemented an extensive Homeland Security training delivery system that involved scheduling, logistical support, productivity tracking, data collection, contracting, and regulatory compliance. In her position as Director of Administration for the Fletcher Group Rural Center of Excellence, Michelle will apply her two Masters Degrees and passion for public safety to identify and engage stakeholders and explore with them the possibility of developing local recovery housing through innovative Technical Assistance provided by the Fletcher Group.

 

JENNIFER WHITE
Director of Project Management, Recovery Support Services

An advocate for marginalized and underserved populations, including those with a Substance Use Disorder, Jennifer holds a Master's Degree in Social Work and a certificate in Substance Use Disorders from the University of Kentucky. As a person in long-term recovery herself, Jennifer draws on a diverse background including extensive experience with numerous social recovery and treatment models. Jennifer previously worked with Kentucky's Public Defenders Agency to assist individuals experiencing substance use or mental health challenges while involved with the justice system. In collaboration with judges, prosecutors, probation and parole officers, Jennifer facilitated alternative incarceration sentencing that resulted in appropriate recovery and treatment services for adults and youth. Jennifer also served several adult recovery courts and Kentucky's court system, facilitating diversion for at-risk youth and helping multi-disciplinary teams across the state support the needs of children and their families. In addition, Jennifer serves on the governor-appointed Commonwealth of Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Advisory Committee.

MATT JOHNSON
Director of Faith-Based Initiatives

Driven by a strong belief in the power of faith-based communities to help heal those in recovery, Dr. Matt Johnson comes to the Fletcher Group after 15 years serving as a United Methodist Pastor and advocate for marginalized people. An innovator and entrepreneur by nature, he delights in starting new things and finding creative ways to connect churches and other faith-based entities with the communities they serve. With over 25 years of experience as a public speaker, Johnson enjoys and excels at networking, coaching, teaching, and motivating faith-based individuals and organizations intent on helping those in recovery. Johnson began engaging his Morgantown, West Virginia congregation in recovery work in 2018 and in 2020 founded the Abundant Life Recovery Housing Network, a 30-bed faith-based recovery residence network serving north-central West Virginia. Johnson holds a Doctorate of Ministry in Leadership from Wesley Theological Seminary as well as degrees from Asbury Theological Seminary and Messiah College.

ROBIN THOMPSON
Director of Research and Evaluation

Driven by the desire to ensure equal access for all to care, treatment, and healthy environments, Robin earned both her Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Epidemiology and Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Behavior at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health. During her time as a doctoral student, Robin served as a fellow within the occupational epidemiology core of the NIOSH/CDC-funded Central Appalachian Regional Education and Research Center (CARERC). She also assisted UK researchers assessing health insurance literacy needs among Kentuckians and the barriers to syringe exchange uptake among rural residents with SUDs. Her dissertation as an occupational epidemiology fellow, Occupational Opioid Surveillance and Intervention Evaluation: A Mixed Methods Collaborative Project Among Southeast First Responders, grew out of two studies she led assessing and addressing occupational opioid exposure among first responders. After completing her MPH, Robin served as Research Coordinator for the UK’s Department of Otolaryngology where she coordinated numerous studies of hearing healthcare disparities.

JOSHUA NICHOLS
Director of Information Technology

The Fletcher Group’s new Director of Internet Technology graduated from Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania where he majored in physics, minored in math, and concentrated on computer software. Josh will use his considerable technical skills to support the Fletcher Group’s staff through IT and software development. Driven by a passion to improve the lives of others, Josh has complemented his research into computational quantum chemical physics by serving in Africa where he supported local hospitals by doing much of the same software and IT work that he now performs for the Fletcher Group.

Erin Henle
Project Manager

Erin's 20-plus years of administrative experience in all levels of behavioral health is driven by a passion for removing barriers to treatment so that individuals and their families can be valued, treated with compassion, and empowered to achieve their full potential. To that end, Erin co-founded the Kentucky Recovery Housing Coalition and currently serves on the advisory council for the Kentucky Recovery Housing Network, the state affiliate of the National Alliance of Recovery Residences. She also serves on the Kentucky Re-Entry Housing Taskforce and is a board member of the Beacon House sober living facility in Louisville, Kentucky. Before joining the Fletcher Group, Erin served as a consultant with the Office of Trafficking in Persons, helping that federal agency develop guidelines and assist providers in creating recovery housing for survivors of human trafficking in southeastern United States. Erin earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in history at the University of Louisville.

GRACE L. CLANCY
Research Coordinator

Grace is a graduate of Portland State University where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in History, Liberal Studies, Social Science, and Global Studies. A strong communicator and networker, she has contributed to various academic research projects regarding global health issues. Her training and expertise will be applied at the Fletcher Group to advance and support the research of policies relating to nation-wide Recovery Housing.

KAREN COBURN
Grant Project and Communications Manager

Karen holds a Doctorate degree in Education Leadership and has over 20 years of experience as a facilitator, trainer, and consultant for numerous Fortune 100 companies both in the United States and the United Kingdom. Before joining the Fletcher Group, she served as a Partnership Specialist Team Leader for the U.S. Census Bureau in eastern Kentucky and southern Ohio, developing relationships with state and local government and community groups to educate and engage the public regarding the importance of the 2020 Census. She led workforce development at Ashland Community and Technical College, served as Chair and Coordinator for the Ashland Young Women Lead program, and co-created the Mobile Technology Lab that delivered STEM-based experiences to K-12 schools in Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. She is also a certified practitioner of the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument, a tool used to leverage the connections between thinking, behavior, and performance.

VICKI JOZEFOWICZ
Rural SUD and Recovery Housing Specialist

Vicki comes to the Fletcher Group with over three decades of experience promoting recovery housing in rural areas, including ten years as the Executive Director of Chrysalis House, Kentucky’s oldest residential treatment center for women in recovery from a Substance Use Disorder, and 22 years as Executive Director and Chief Administrative Officer for the Kentucky River Foothills Development Council where she led the development of Liberty Place, a residential recovery center featuring transitional apartments for recovery program graduates, a federally qualified health center, an outpatient SUD treatment program, and a workforce development center. Vicki has also helped procure, plan, and implement important grants for a CSAT Women’s Residential Treatment Program and a Rural Communities Opioid Response Program. She has served on the Recovery Kentucky Task Force and the Governor of Kentucky’s Housing Policy Advisory Committee and is a past board member of Community Action Kentucky, the Richmond Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, and the Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky. Skilled at research, program design, and collaboration, she has received a number of prestigious awards, including the Kentucky Housing Corporation’s Award for Outstanding Service in Nonprofit Housing, the Robert Straus Award for Excellence for helping people recover from substance use, and the Eastern Kentucky University Distinguished Service Award.

ANNE SHIELDS
Rural SUD and Recovery Housing Specialist

Anne joins the Fletcher Group after many years of experience working with state Medicaid agencies, academic centers, community health centers and behavioral health organizations to support the adoption and spread of integrated health and housing strategies. As the Associate Director of the University of Washington AIMS Center for Advancing Integrated Mental Health Solutions, Anne led an interdisciplinary team of psychiatrists, behavioral health clinicians, nurses and others to provide training and technical assistance in diverse healthcare settings. During the early years of the opioid epidemic, she worked closely with SAMHSA, Washington and California state agencies, academic centers, tribes and community organizations to help plan and launch effective opioid treatment networks and housing strategies. In her previous work as an integrated care consultant, she helped organizations develop effective working relationships with foundations, with governments at the state and federal level, with provider associations and with payers to help sustain important work in health and housing. A nurse by training, Anne pivoted back to a public health advisory role during the first two years of the COVID pandemic and received the President's Volunteer Service Award in 2020 for her work with housing providers, senior centers, and tribes. She continues to work on site with housing providers to adopt evidence-based programs that address substance use, depression and anxiety.

NATHANIEL CONKLIN
Outreach and Engagement Specialist

Nathaniel gained his Associates Degree at Portland Community College, his Bachelor of Science Degree in Non-Profit Management at Bellevue University in Washington, and his MBA in Healthcare through Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, Utah. His certifications include CADC II (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor), NCAC II (National Certified Addiction Counselor II), a PMP (Project Management Professional certification) issued by the Project Management Institute, and a Certificate for Non-Profit Project Management issued by CareerLearning. Nate currently serves as the Commissioner on the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCCAP) and as president-elect of the Idaho NAADAC affiliate. Before coming to the Fletcher Group, he served as Program Director at Baker House, a residential substance abuse facility in his hometown of Baker City, Oregon. In previous counseling and supervisory positions, Nathaniel gained first-hand experience regarding co-occurring disorders; trauma-informed and medication-assisted treatment; ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) training and hiring; risk and needs assessment; clinical, detox and floor staff supervision; clinical mentorship; treatment planning; employment training; the maintenance of state and federal standards; and the establishment of evidence-based protocols, policies, and procedures. He is highly experienced in working with healthcare professionals, medical institutions, non-profit organizations, and the criminal justice system, including probation and parole departments, drug courts, STOP courts, federal judges, prosecutors, federally-mandated clients, the Department of Homeland Security, and Oregon’s Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program. He is also well-versed in conflict resolution, crisis management, mediation, negotiations, public relations, diversity issues, and age, race, and socio-economic determinants.

MILENA STOTT
Outreach and Engagement Specialist

A healthcare systems expert, Milena has held numerous titles within the industry, including Chief of Strategy, Chief of Transformation and Innovation, and Director of Healthcare Integration. She currently serves as an Adjunct Faculty at the University of Washington's School of Social Work where she teaches advanced practices regarding policy and reform. She is also an integrated care consultant and supports work at regional accountable communities of health, all of which promise to serve her well as an Outreach and Engagement Specialist for the new Fletcher Group Recovery Center of Excellence.

ERICA WALKER
Outreach and Engagement Specialist

The Fletcher Group’s new Outreach and Engagement Specialist for the state of Ohio has extensive expertise closely related to the Fletcher Group’s roots in Kentucky. Her first position after completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at Morehead State University was to serve as Case Manager and Court Liaison at a Recovery Kentucky center in Morehead, Kentucky. She helped resolve legal matters for clients while managing a wide range of services to help clients deal with mental health, education, domestic violence, and law enforcement issues as well as the challenges of parenting, raising children, obtaining health care, maintaining relationships, and dealing with economic distress. After completing her Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University  of Kentucky in 2017, Erica served as Trauma Therapist and KSTEP Coordinator for Pathways, a community-based center dedicated to helping those with mental health, developmental disability, and substance use problems. A primary focus was assisting families with substance use issues at risk of having their children permanently removed from their care. In recovery herself since 2006, Erica is certified as both a Clinical Social Worker (CSW) and a Temporary Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (TCADC ). Her passion for helping those in recovery extends to a number of public service roles: American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria Presenter at the 6th Annual Child Abuse Prevention Conference, Consultant for the Rollins School of Public Health’s Department of Behavioral Health Sciences and Health Education, and additional consulting work to assist the Rural Opioid Study funded by the National Institutes of Rural Health. In addition, she was a Victim Advocate Volunteer from 2014 to 2018 and currently serves as Co-Chair for the “Care 2 Hope” Research Project.

SCOTT WARNELL
Outreach and Engagement Specialist

Scott comes to the Fletcher Group from Montana’s Child and Family Services Administration where he served for several years as a Regional Administrator. Prior to that, Scott enjoyed a long and distinguished career in law enforcement, beginning as a Patrolman and rising to Patrol Sergeant, then Detective, then Senior Sergeant of Detectives, and finally Captain of Detectives. During his nearly 22 years with the Kalispell, Montana Police Department, he was named State of Montana Officer of the Year and received numerous honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Exceptional Service Medal (twice) and the Excellence in Responding to Intimate Partner Violence Award. His understanding of social determinants was nurtured through special assignments such as serving on Kalispell’s Domestic Violence Action Team, working with the city’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program, and serving on the Flathead Infant Child Mortality Review Board. To say that Scott is active in the community is an understatement. He was a Big Brother for Big Brothers & Big Sisters from 1995 to 1999, the Flathead Force Soccer Coach from 1996 to 2002, the Flathead Soccer Club Board President from 2010 to 2012, the Northwest Regional Coordinator of the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run from 1999 to 2008, and a member of the local CARE Board from 1998 to 2018 where he also served as Secretary, Vice President, and President. From 1999 to 2001 Scott was a Counselor at the Kids Camp & Teen Camp, a member of the Peer Court Board from 2001 to 2003, Emcee for the Conrad Mansion Annual Fundraiser from 2004 to 2006, a Northwest Montana Bobcat Booster Board Member from 2002 to 2004, and a featured speaker on Parent’s Day at Kid’s Camp from 2005 to 2015. He currently serves on the Kalispell Public Schools Board of Trustees.

 

KRISTIN TIEDEMAN
Outreach and Engagement Specialist

Kristin brings to the Fletcher Group extensive experience helping people overcome barriers to housing, employment, and education. In her previous position as Program Manager and SUD Treatment Coordinator at a community mental health company funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Kristin worked with numerous recovery houses and residential treatment facilities to help individuals prepare for their release from incarceration and re-entry into society. She has worked extensively with Departments of Corrections, local judicial systems, and other agencies and businesses to promote a better understanding of the barriers faced by people released from jails and treatment facilities. Prior to her work with justice-involved individuals, Kristin worked for over 20 years in post-secondary and adult education, helping at-risk students overcome barriers to success. As a person with lived experience herself, Kristin knows first-hand how important a safe living environment, sober support system and meaningful employment are to a person's long-term recovery. Kristin is a certified alcohol and drug counselor with Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Arts degrees from Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky.

RACHAEL NICHOLS
Outreach and Engagement Specialist

Working closely with other financial, technical, business and treatment experts at the Fletcher Group, Outreach and Engagement Specialist Rachael Nichols helps recovery allies and recovery housing operators build the effective Recovery Ecosystems needed to support long-term recovery. After completing her Bachelor of Science degree in biology at Grove City College in Pennsylvania, Rachael moved to Washington, D.C. where she helped raise capital improvement funds for one of the nation's largest school districts. The mother of four currently resides in Pittsburgh, her home base for networking and collaborating with a wide range of partners and clients to improve the capacity and quality of recovery housing and services throughout Ohio and her native Pennsylvania.

MADISON ASHWORTH
Health Economist

Dr. Madison Ashworth serves as a health economist at the Fletcher Group where she leads various research projects examining recovery housing and other recovery support programs. She earned her PhD in economics from the University of Wyoming in 2023. Her research focuses on the intersection of health and behavioral economics, specifically in designing and testing different policies to determine their effectiveness in changing individual behavior and public health outcomes. In her research career, she has been involved in some of the first studies looking at the effect of COVID-19 social distancing policies on public health, economic, and environmental outcomes. More recently her research has focused on understanding the impact of COVID-19 on individuals in recovery from substance use disorders, evaluating interventions that may reduce stigma around recovery housing while increasing political and financial support for recovery housing, and evaluating the effectiveness of different recovery support services for those with a substance use disorder.

JADE HAMPTON, MSW, TCADC
Data Collection Coordinator

Before coming to the Fletcher Group, Jade served as Campus Administrator at the Riverplace Recovery Center in Pikeville, Kentucky. While managing the 120-bed mens facility, he launched a new social model; supervised clinical, medical and facility protocols; oversaw employee evaluations and hiring; directed treatment planning for all levels of care; promoted community outreach and partnerships; and collaborated closely with the local judiciary and department of corrections to assist client recovery. In another role as Senior Regional Director for 11 recovery facilities in Eastern Kentucky, Jade lowered opposition to recovery housing in local communities; mentored facility directors and staff; managed overtime, labor, and facility finances; and launched at each facility a new social model as well as other evidence-based innovations. In a previous position as Program Director at the Hickory Hills Recovery Center in Emmalena, Kentucky, Jade planned and implemented programs for both clients and staff; served as liaison to community organizations and the local judiciary; managed intake, eligibility and client criteria in keeping with Recovery Kentucky guidelines; and supervised all logistical issues regarding staffing, scheduling, budgeting, supplies, billings, and daily activities, including DOC logs and case files. Jade is a Certified Social Worker and Alcohol and Drug Counselor who gained his Bachelor of Social Work degree at Morehead State University and his Master in Social Work degree at the University of Campbellsville. Named the Kentucky Addiction Recovery Care Director of the Year in 2021, Jade is a member of the Specialty Court Advisory Board for Breathitt, Wolfe and Powell counties in eastern Kentucky and previously served as the ASAM Criteria presenter for Pathways, Inc. at the 2018 Child Abuse Prevention convention and as chairperson of the Knott County Care 2 Hope research project.

JENNAH BAIER
Research Assistant

Jennah graduated in 2019 from Northeastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She is currently completing a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program through Northern Kentucky University and dual Masters Degrees in Forensic Psychology and Child/Adolescent Psychology through Southern New Hampshire University. Her capstone project will center around the therapeutic effects of animal-assisted therapy for children who have experienced sexual abuse and the impact of various therapy techniques on individuals with high ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) scores. Her previous work involved inpatient and outpatient child/adolescent mental and behavioral health as well as outpatient therapies and treatments for individuals with a Substance Use Disorder. Jennah’s research at the Fletcher Group will focus on the holistic healing effects of meaningful employment and other recovery capital on brain functioning among those with a Substance Use Disorder.

RICHARD FAYLOR
Director of Communications

Trained as a journalist, Richard has served as writer, editor, and communications specialist for numerous Fortune 1000 companies. At the Fletcher Group he oversees all messaging, marketing, and communication efforts, including the design of the company’s new website and the creation of the distance learning and staff training materials that will become increasingly important as the company expands its unique business model throughout the United States.

KIARA GABBARD
Social Media Coordinator

After graduating from Morehead State University with a degree in Marketing and Graphic Design, Kiara obtained a Master of Fine Arts from Kent State University in 2018. She holds Adobe certifications in both Illustrator and InDesign and is a member of the American Marketing Association. For the past ten years, she’s served a number of organizations, both professionally and pro bono, with a focus most recently on social and digital media. A native of Morehead, Kentucky, Kiara found particularly rewarding her work for two years with the Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky and AmeriCorps VISTA, a national service program designed to alleviate poverty.

Our Executive Board


MIRA BALL
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary-Treasurer Of Ball Homes, LLC

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.

ERNIE FLETCHER
PHYSICIAN, CONGRESSMAN, GOVERNOR AND FOUNDER OF THE FLETCHER GROUP

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.

 

 

GLENNA FLETCHER
CO-FOUNDER OF THE FLETCHER GROUP

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.

LUTHER DEATON
Chairman/President/CEO of Central Bancshares, Inc. and Central Bank & Trust Co., Lexington, KY

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.

DAVE JOHNSON, MSW, ACSW
CEO, Fletcher Group

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.

DANNY FLETCHER
Chairman Of Celebrate Recovery, a Christian-Centered Recovery Program

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.

HILLARY BALL
Director of Purchasing and Costing for Ball Homes

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.

SUSAN BUCHER
Gill Heart and Vascular Institute Director’s Council, Lexington, 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


MIRA BALL
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary-Treasurer Ball Homes, LLC

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.

LUTHER DEATON
CHAIRMAN/PRESIDENT/CEO OF CENTRAL BANCSHARES, INC. AND CENTRAL BANK & TRUST CO., LEXINGTON, KY

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.

DAVE SHERIDAN
NARR President and Co-Founder

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.

TERRY BUNN
University of Kentucky Professor and KIPRC Director

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.

 

MICHAEL FRASER
Executive Director, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)

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.

HILDA LEGG
Rural Economic Development Consultant

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.

JONATHAN HUNTER
Former Vice President of the Corporation for Supportive 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.

MARTIN J. VINCENT
Senior Advisor, CDC Policy Development Division

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.

Dr. JEFF HOWARD
Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness Medical Director

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.

GREG WILLIAMS
Managing Director of Third Horizon Strategies

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


GARRY WATKINS
Wabuck Development Co. Inc., Leitchfield, KY
NICOLE FRIELDS
CADC, VP Recovery Services, Women’s Addiction Recovery Manor, Henderson, KY; Men’s Addiction Recovery Campus, Bowling Green, KY
CECIL DUNN
Former Executive Director, Hope Center, Lexington, KY
AUSTIN SIMMS
Executive Director, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Housing Authority
SUE CHENAULT
Chrysalis House, Board of Directors, Lexington, KY
JEFF MAUER
Chairman & CEO, Global Impact International, Inc., Rome, GA