Northern Michigan University 1992 psychology alumnus John Driscoll has been appointed new president and CEO of Caron Treatment Centers, effective the first week of October. He has more than 30 years of experience in the addiction treatment field. He started as an alcohol and drug counselor in Chicago and most recently worked as senior vice president at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, an addiction and mental health treatment organization.
According to a press release, Caron works locally and across the country on addiction and behavioral health treatment, research and prevention and addiction medicine education. Driscoll will be responsible for the overall leadership of Caron and serve as the organization's primary spokesperson and advocate in the field of addiction treatment.
"Caron is an exceptional organization that, for nearly 70 years, has had a profound impact upon addiction treatment," Driscoll said in the release. "I was drawn to the opportunity to be its chief executive as a platform to make a significant difference in a field I am truly passionate about and have dedicated my entire professional life to."
Caron has medical centers in South Heidelberg, Pa. and Florida, and provides services in Palm Beach County, Fla.; Philadelphia; Washington, D.C.; Atlanta; and New York.
Driscoll is the former chair of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers and is the current chair of the NAATP Foundation of Recovery Science and Education, which monitors quality outcomes within the industry. Reporting to the board of trustees, he will be charged with personifying and furthering Caron's "Recovery for Life" mission, officials said.
"The decision to select him as our new president and CEO was driven by his exceptional leadership, unparalleled expertise in addiction treatment, and a shared commitment to our mission," Caron Board Chair Mark Skibbie said. "John's vision and dedication make him the ideal leader to guide Caron into a future filled with hope and healing for those in need."
Driscoll was identified as the top candidate for the post by a search committee of eight Caron board members, officials added.