New CEO takes the helm at Emerge

XENIA — A long-time pillar of the local recovery community is taking over as the new chief executive officer at Emerge Recovery & Trade Initiative.

Rachel Huffman, a graduate of Wright State University with a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, has worked in behavioral health for more than ten years.

Huffman worked at a local community behavioral health agency for nine years, where she started her career in counseling youth. She then moved on to the criminal justice population, carried out various leadership roles, and ended up managing crisis services for multiple counties. She did that for three years before moving on to the government sector. 

Huffman has worked at the Mental Health Recovery Board (MHRB) of Clark, Greene & Madison Counties, which is a branch of local government that helps plan, fund, and monitor behavioral health treatment. 

She said she is excited about taking the helm at Emerge. Her first day will be November 13.

“I remember reading about Emerge in the newspaper, and I thought: Their model tackles the challenges people in recovery face,” she said. “They are not just providing treatment. They are doing something different. I love the vocational piece and being a member of the community, I have seen them grow ever since.”

Eventually, Huffman decided to apply for the CEO position. 

“I thought a lot and prayed about it,” she said. “If this is where God is calling me, this is where I need to be.”

Huffman said she loves more than anything else being able to help people. 

“What I liked most about Rachel was that she strongly lines up with Emerge’s core values,” said Doug Van Dyke, president of the Emerge board. “She also has an entrepreneurial spirit, with lived experience in recovery. She’s very ambitious and driven and it’s clear that her faith is the center of her life. I feel strongly she’s the best candidate to fulfill our mission and our vision.  We are excited to have her come on board.”

Chris Adams, co-founder of Emerge, agreed with Van Dyke, and said he is excited about Huffman since she understands the vision and the mission already.

 “She understands how recovery is done and how the whole ecosystem needs to work together to make this all play out,” Adams said. “She knows all the aspects of this. From being an addict to working for the government and helping people in addiction.  After Rachel’s interview, everyone in the room agreed that she was the one; it was really a God thing.”      

Huffman said she sees the potential for Emerge to grow and expand.

“I know they want to replicate this,” she said. “Research is going to be important to show that people are successful. We should show the difference between people who relapse when they leave traditional treatment compared to those who leave with a job or a skill set. But I see this expanding with different levels of care.”

Huffman’s experience in treatment delivery and recovery has given her a unique perspective. 

” I can say this unique model gives people a new hope,” Huffman said “When you’re coming out of addiction, and you have people who believe in you and want you to gain stability – I think that’s HUGE! This not only helps prevent relapse, but also helps them get their families back, gain stability, and build a foundation. The mentorship piece will help them stay accountable and sometimes that’s missing in your typical treatment centers. The longer we can stay with these folks, the better chance they have.” 

One of the things Huffman is most excited about is the uniqueness of Emerge and its programs.

 “If we can continue to grow and follow God’s will, the possibilities are endless,” Huffman said. “We can plan all day but if it’s not in alignment with God’s will, it’s not going to happen.” 

Elaine Bonner, director of philanthropy at Emerge, said she is excited to see Huffman take the helm.

“I’m looking forward to working with Rachel, learning from her, and growing the programs and support for those who are seeking to rebuild their lives.”

What is Emerge Recovery & Trade Initiative?

Located at the former Greene County Career Center on 45 acres of rural land, Emerge is the world’s first vocational community for people in recovery and youth aging out of foster care.

Once it is fully operational, Emerge will have 50 beds for men, 50 beds for women, and 25 beds for youth aging out of foster care on-site with a wide range of transitional housing options available off-site. Emerge will serve people from all over Ohio. People successfully completing the programming at Emerge will leave with state certifications and sustainable careers in the skilled trades sector. 

Emerge started in 2021, when Kip Morris, CEO of Five Star Home Services partnered with Chris Adams of Narrow Path Plumbing and Doug Van Dyke of Van Martin Roofing to purchase the property and form the nonprofit.

For more information, to donate or get involved contact Elaine Bonner, Director of Philanthropy at Emerge at 937.974.6120 or visit emergerecoverytrade.com.