Valley Hope President and CEO Pat George to step down on May 31

May 21, 2019 | Valley Hope News

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NORTON, Kan.—Valley Hope President and CEO Pat George will leave the organization on May 31, the Board of Directors announced today. George became president and CEO in July 2015 after serving more than four years as secretary for the Kansas Department of Commerce. George made the decision to step away from Valley Hope in late 2018, and the organization has been engaged in a nationwide search for his successor since then.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire Valley Hope family, I want to express my sincere thanks and gratitude for Pat’s leadership,” said Board Chairwoman Patti Yaussi. “Pat was instrumental in positioning Valley Hope so that it could remain competitive and relevant in the addiction treatment industry for the next 50 years.”

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Yaussi cited several initiatives that George led during his tenure as president and CEO. Those included expanding services to begin accepting Medicaid patients; engaging in strategic partnerships with other Kansas health care organizations; beginning a partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; strengthening Valley Hope’s relationship with public officials at the state and federal level; and launching a new center in Colorado that will focus on helping women with addictions and their children.

In addition, George helped launch the Building Hope campaign, Valley Hope’s first strategic, comprehensive campaign that has raised more than $13 million to date to help improve Valley Hope facilities and provided ongoing patient support.

“Pat has been involved with Valley Hope for many years, and we are indebted to his service and passion for the organization,” said former Board Chairman Dave Hill. “We wish him well in the next chapter of his professional career.”

George has had a distinguished career in the business, nonprofit and public sectors in Kansas. In addition to serving as Kansas Commerce secretary, George was a state representative in the Kansas Legislature for six years. He has owned or managed numerous auto dealerships and other businesses in western Kansas, including a minor league basketball franchise. Prior to his appointment as president and CEO, George served on the Board of Directors for 14 years.

“It was an honor to serve the organization that has meant so much to me personally and to my family,” George said. “Valley Hope has changed the lives of thousands and thousands of people. I’m grateful for having had this opportunity, and I wish Valley Hope continued success in the years ahead.”

About Valley Hope:

A non-profit, Joint Commission certified alcohol and drug treatment organization headquartered in Norton, Kan., Valley Hope offers residential and outpatient services at 16 locations in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. Since its founding in 1967, Valley Hope has helped more than 308,000 individuals overcome addiction. Learn more at VallyHope.org or follow Valley Hope on Facebook, facebook.com/ValleyHopeAssociation; Twitter, @ValleyHopeAssoc; and LinkedIn, linkedin.com/company/ValleyHope. For help, call (800) 544-5101.