[Newton, NJ, January 20, 2023] After twenty-three years of service, on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Center for Prevention & Counseling (CFPC), Executive Director Becky Carlson announces her retirement effective June 30, 2023.
Becky began her tenure at CFPC as the first Coalition for Healthy and Safe Families coordinator, working with various community sectors to build its membership. Passionate about reducing youth use of alcohol and other drugs, she led the group’s efforts to improve local conditions around substance use through policy change and practice.
In 2001, Carlson spearheaded the development of the annual Taking Flight to Change Anti-Bullying Summit, a county initiative to address bullying and promote a positive school climate. Now often referred to as the ‘Summit,’ the program has served over 18,000 Sussex County youth since its inception twenty-two years ago.
Becky was promoted to the agency’s first Director of Prevention Services position in 2005. In 2008, she accepted the role of Assistant Executive Director under the mentorship of then Executive Director Barbara Adolphe. Following Adolphe’s retirement in 2015, Becky stepped into the position of Executive Director.
During her career as Executive Director, Carlson successfully managed the agency’s prevention, counseling, and addiction recovery support services, grants, and initiatives, both fiscally and programmatically. Stewarding a 123% increase in the agency’s operating budget, she led a staff increase of nearly hundred percent, which now includes fifty-eight caring and talented professionals.
“Becky’s natural ability to build relationships, engage partners, and inspire those she meets has been an asset to the growth and development of CFPC. She has successfully managed our nonprofit agency with passion and dedication to its mission,” stated Cecelia Clayton, CFPC Board President. “We are grateful for her dedication, achievements, and service to the agency and its community.”
Becky’s dedication to the agency’s services is rooted in understanding the pervasiveness of substance use in the lives of children, families, and individuals and her belief in building healthy communities, one person at a time. “The past twenty-three years have been an amazing ride and the Center for Prevention and Counseling will always have a special place in my heart,” said Carlson. “I have been dedicated to the agency’s mission and work and will remain supportive of all they do.”
“A compassionate leader, Becky has built and sustained meaningful relationships internally at the agency, across Sussex County, and beyond,” said CFPC board member and retired Newton Police Chief Mike Richards. “Our communities have benefitted from her dedicated work, and her genuine friendship has enriched us.
The Board of Directors will utilize a search committee to oversee choosing Becky’s successor. A six-month transition period allows the agency to ensure that the change in leadership is seamless and that the organization maintains its momentum.
“We are grateful for Becky’s leadership and commitment to CFPC and wish her the best in her new life in retirement,” said Jon McMeen, CFPC Board Vice President. “We look forward to building upon Becky’s work and extending our impact in Sussex County.”
CFPC will provide information on the search for Carlson’s successor on the agency’s website www.centerforprevention.org and social media @cfpcnj soon. Questions about this process may be directed to CFPC Board President, Cecelia Clayton via email [email protected]
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About Center for Prevention and Counseling
The Center for Prevention and Counseling (CFPC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency based in Newton, New Jersey. Its mission, since 1973, has been to promote hope, health, and recovery among all people by fostering a community in which individuals and families thrive. CFPC provides substance use prevention, counseling, and recovery support services, primarily serving Sussex County, NJ children, teens, adults, and families, regardless of cultural background, socioeconomic status, age, gender, or sexual orientation. Learn more by visiting www.centerforprevention.org or call 973-383-4787
Media Contact: Shannon Derstine
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