2026 NAATP Board of Directors Candidates

Jay Crosson

Chief Executive Officer, Cumberland Heights
(renominated candidate)

Jay Crosson began his career with Cumberland Heights in 1993 and accepted the role of Chief Executive Officer in 2015. Prior to becoming the CEO, Jay served in various capacities including that of CFO for the organization. He currently serves as the Chair of the NAATP Board of Directors and was a past Chair of the Ethics Committee. Jay is a graduate from MTSU, with an MBA from Belmont University.  Additionally, he is a grateful recovering alumnus of Cumberland Heights, having been a patient in 1989. His personal experience of treatment and the transformative power of the 12 Steps shape his leadership principles today.

Patrick Hall, Psy.D

President & Chief Executive Officer, Valley Hope Addiction and Recovery

Dr. Patrick Hall is a vital part of Valley Hope, serving as a Corporate Clinical Supervisor, Vice President of Clinical Services, Vice President of Research, Senior Vice President of Operations, and currently as President and CEO. Patrick is a trusted leader, well-regarded for his strategic vision, leadership, and passion for patient care. With more than 20 years of experience in leadership, he is an active member of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) and the American Society of Addiction Treatment Providers (ASAM). His expertise spans financial, operational, clinical, and strategic areas.

Joseph Lee, MD

President & Chief Executive Officer, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
(renominated candidate)

As a triple-boarded physician who led Hazelden Betty Ford’s Youth Continuum for 11 years before becoming CEO, he has established himself as a thought leader on addiction, mental health, and recovery. His experience working with families from across the country has provided him an unparalleled perspective on emerging drug trends, co-occurring mental health conditions, and the ever-changing culture of addiction. Dr. Lee has been featured in numerous media venues and authored Recovering My Kid: Parenting Young Adults in Treatment and Beyond, providing an honest guide for parental leadership in times of crisis.

Carolyn Coker Ross, MD

Founder, Carolyn Coker Ross, MD

Carolyn Coker Ross, MD, MPH, CEDS is an author, speaker, expert in the treatment of eating disorders, trauma and addictions. Dr. Ross is a graduate of The University of Michigan Medical School. She completed a residency in Preventive Medicine and a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) at Loma Linda University and a fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. She is board certified in Preventive Medicine and in Addiction Medicine. Dr. Ross has been an international speaker and consultant on issues of mental health, trauma and workplace productivity.

Phil Rutherford

Strategy Lead for Substance Use, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
(renominated candidate)

Phil Rutherford focuses on making substance use programs more accessible, effective, and equitable in his current role at the National Council. A former COO of Faces and Voices of Recovery, he serves on NIH and FDA committees and founded Black Faces Black Voices. He sits on several nonprofit boards and brings prior experience from Microsoft and Micron. Deeply rooted in recovery, he leads with lived experience and equity-driven insight.

Kelly Scaggs

President & Chief Executive Officer, Fellowship Hall
(renominated candidate)
 

Kelly joined the staff of Fellowship Hall in 2008 as a family therapist, where her leadership and clinical expertise led to her promotion to Clinical Director in 2015. In December 2023, she made history as Fellowship Hall’s first female President and CEO. With over 30 years of experience in behavioral health, Kelly has practiced in both Florida and North Carolina, shaping her as a compassionate and seasoned leader in addiction treatment and recovery services.

Christina Simos

Executive Director, Friendly House
(renominated candidate)

Christina understands the business of helping people and has been working in treatment for almost ten years learning every aspect of the business. Although there is no mission without money, the focus is always on improving treatment outcomes, improving client and staff retention and fearlessly addressing issues facing historically excluded communities. In January of 2022, Christina became the 4^th Executive Director of Friendly House – the first women’s recovery program started in the US. She is one of the few women of culture in an executive level position in the treatment industry.