Jun 22, 2017
Harmony Foundation, Inc. announces that James Geckler, Chief Operating Officer, has been selected by the Board of Directors to succeed Dot Dorman as the organization's next chief executive officer, effective July 1, 2017. Dorman and Geckler have worked side-by-side for over a year building a succession plan that would move Harmony Foundation to the next level.
Following thirty-two successful years with Harmony Foundation, nine most recently in her current role as CEO, Dorman made the personal decision to retire from the organization July 2018, allowing for a smooth and seamless leadership transition. She will remain involved as CEO Emerita through December 2017 then move into Historian and Researcher beginning January 2018 - June 2018.
"Today, Harmony is a leader in the Colorado addiction treatment market with a strong foundation for continued growth in helping individuals recover from substance use disorders," says Dorman. With the introduction of new treatment programs into Colorado and the ever-changing landscape of addiction treatment services, Jim is the right leader at the right time to grow and build on our success, enhancing the recovery experience for our clients, families, staff, alumni and donors."
As CEO, Dot delivered significant results for Harmony Foundation with growth in programming and campus expansion. The acquisition of the Transitional Care Program, the launch of a new state-of-the-art Health Center and Dining Pavilion, allowed for increases in clinical programming that would assist in medical detox, transitional living offering clients an amplified recovery experience.
Geckler has served the recovery community in a professional capacity for over 15 years, as former COO for Addiction Intervention Resources, one of the country's premier intervention and family consulting groups to most recently as a senior leader at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. Jim joined the Harmony Foundation team in February 2016 as Chief Operating Officer providing leadership and support to members of multiple departments. Harmony's commitment to a healthy succession plan enabled the Board to evaluate the key leader who can continue to bring positive changes and growth to the organization. The Board unanimously agreed that Geckler is the perfect leader for this role.
"We are pleased to have an internal leader with Jim's experience, national presence and commitment to recovery to chart next steps for Harmony that will increase access to treatment for clients, continue to build an organizational culture that values our employees and offer recovery support services to alumni." said Patricia Nielsen, Board President Harmony Foundation. "Jim has been a substantial asset to the organization over the last year, building staff leadership; introducing operational changes that helped us remain relevant and positioning us to be a national leader of addiction treatment services." The Board is confident he will guard the philosophy of Harmony and its legacy while imbedding new opportunities that will carry the mission of our organization to the next level. The last decade, under Dot's leadership, Harmony will be long remembered for program and campus expansion, consistent leadership and three decades of commitment to recovery in the Rockies."
Beginning July 1st, Geckler will work collaboratively with senior leadership and members of the Harmony team to execute the recently Board approved strategic plan. Efforts will focus on an increase in technology resources, advances to clinical programming including trauma informed care and mental health services and philanthropic giving to provide greater access to addiction treatment services for clients at Harmony.
"I'm honored to be given the opportunity to lead this organization with such a powerful legacy, honorable and ethical reputation and incredible talent - a combination that I believe sets us apart in this field," Geckler said. "Our success will be based upon always doing the right thing for our clients and families. Building upon the foundation Dot and many others within Harmony have established over the years, we will be focused on continuing to be the leader in the addiction treatment industry not just regionally but nationally."
About Harmony Foundation, Inc.Harmony Foundation, Inc. is one of the longest running and most successful drug and alcohol treatment centers in Colorado. We provide the foundation for sustained recovery from the diseases of alcohol and drug addiction. Harmony is a state-of-the-art, affordable, residential addiction treatment program confidentially nestled on a 43- acre campus in the Rocky Mountains just outside of Estes Park, Colorado. Our residential rehab offers comprehensive treatment for adults and their family members. Harmony uses the time-tested, evidence-based, Bio-Psycho-Social 12-step Treatment Model that addresses the client's body, mind, and spirit. Harmony provides individualized, gender separate medical and psychological care, in a peaceful, beautiful, confidential, and respectful environment.
Media ContactName: Gina de Peralta Thorne, MS
Title: Director of Business Development
Phone: 970-577-4709
Email address: gthorne@harmonyfoundationinc.com
