“We were pleasantly surprised that we collected over 300 flags from our members,” says SAFE Credit Union Chief Technology Officer Michael McCarthy and the executive sponsor of VALOR. “That far exceeded our expectations. Members brought in multiple flags and had family and friends bring flags to our branches, too.”
The initiative “sparked conversations and connections that deepened our relationships with members,” McCarthy says.
Those connections are particularly meaningful given SAFE’s military history as a credit union originally founded to serve Sacramento-area U.S. Air Force personnel, McCarthy adds.
The drive was so successful that VALOR plans to hold it annually around the summer patriotic holidays: Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day.
“Our branches were honored to be able to provide this service,” says SAFE Credit Union Vice President Retail Branches Janine Southwick. “It’s another way we can connect with our members and a unique way to show we honor the national symbol.”
VALOR chose the flag collection as its first outreach event in part because of the symbol of unity the flag represents.
“Flag Day is an opportunity to reflect on the significance of the American flag and what it represents: unity, freedom, and the enduring spirit of our nation,” says Loan Servicing Manager Yvette Tibbs, who leads VALOR. “The flag is a powerful symbol of our shared values and the sacrifices made to uphold them.”
About SAFE SAFE Credit Union is a $4.6 billion credit union serving 236,000 members in Northern California. Insured by NCUA.
“Kevin’s impact has been significant, not just within our Memorial family, but throughout the entire philanthropic community in South Florida,” said K. Scott Wester, Memorial Healthcare System president and CEO. “His leadership positively impacted countless families, and his passion for fundraising made a difference for causes and campaigns that matter.”
A graduate of both Southern Illinois University and the University of West Florida, Janser began his career in higher education before transitioning to healthcare. Prior to joining Memorial in 2007, he was vice president of development at Holy Cross Hospital.
“Retiring is bittersweet,” said Janser, a Boca Raton resident. “I look forward to spending more time with my family, but I will miss the many colleagues, supporters, and friends who have made this journey so special. I thank each and every one of them.”
Janser’s Memorial career included sharing the stage with former U.S. President Bill Clinton, music’s Gloria Estefan, author James Patterson, and sports figures that included Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Bob Costas, Pat Riley, and Derek Jeter. The Conine Clubhouse, where families can stay for free while a child is being treated at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, is annually funded by philanthropic gifts generated at events hosted with former major league ballplayer Jeff Conine. Janser also shepherded ongoing partnerships with Florida Panthers Captain Aleksander “Sasha” Barkov and Anthony Rizzo of the New York Yankees that have resulted in significant contributions to Memorial’s nonprofit foundations. He also oversaw numerous annual fundraisers that inspired philanthropic giving, including the Diamond Angels’ Fairy Tale Ball, Tour de Broward, and Joe DiMaggio American Icon Award.
“Nothing is more important than the health of ourselves and our families. When individuals and businesses support Memorial’s adult and pediatric foundations, it’s an investment that directly benefits themselves, families, employees, and the entire community,” said Janser.
The Memorial Foundation (http://www.mhs.net/about/foundation) and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation (http://www.jdch.com/give-back/foundation) raise funds philanthropically to assist patients, families, and underwrite the cost of programs, facilities, and equipment within the Memorial Healthcare System.
To learn more or make a donation, please call 954.265.3454 or visit them online.
The 2024 fellowships are financially supported through the Forward Fund, which was established by SITC to stimulate the future of science, development, and application of cancer immunology and immunotherapy by financially supporting its education and research. Since 2014, SITC has awarded more than $6 million in funding to deserving early career scientists in the field of cancer immunotherapy. SITC will recognize the recipients during its 39th Annual Meeting, occurring in November at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX.
The 2024 SITC Forward Fund fellowship recipients are:
SITC-Bristol Myers Squibb Postdoctoral Cancer Immunotherapy Translational Fellowship Award Amount: $200,000 (two year) Awardee: Elisa Bergaggio, PhD Institution: Boston Children’s Hospital Project Title: “Enhancing ALK.CAR-T efficacy in solid tumors”
SITC-MRA Women in Melanoma Fellowship Award Amount: $200,000 (two year) Awardee: Arielle Elkrief, MD Institution: University of Montreal Project Title: “Identification of the next generation of microbiome therapeutics in combination with immune checkpoint blockade to improve outcomes for patients with melanoma”
SITC-Merck Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Fellowship Award Amount: $100,000 (one year) Awardee: Benjamin R. Schrank, MD, PhD Institution: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Project Title: “Enhancing Tumor-Immune Interactions in Breast Cancer via an Immunostimulatory Antibody-Drug Conjugate”
SITC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Fellowship Award Amount: $100,000 (one year) Awardee: Victor Arrieta, MD, PhD Institution: Northwestern University Project Title: “Leveraging DNA Methylation Signatures to Decode Clinical Responses to Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Glioblastoma”
SITC-Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals Adverse Events in Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Fellowship Award Amount: $40,000 (one-year) Awardee: Gabriele Casirati, MD, PhD Institution: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Project Title: “Epitope edited Hematopoietic Stem Cells to Eliminate On-target/Off-tumor Toxicity”
The 2024 SITC Forward Fund fellowships were made possible through the generosity of Bristol Myers Squibb, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Melanoma Research Alliance and Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.
To learn more about current and past SITC fellowship recipients, visit the SITC website.
About SITC Established in 1984, the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) is a nonprofit organization of medical professionals dedicated to improving cancer patient outcomes by advancing the development, science and application of cancer immunotherapy and tumor immunology. SITC is comprised of influential basic and translational scientists, practitioners, health care professionals, government leaders and industry professionals around the globe. Through educational initiatives that foster scientific exchange and collaboration among leaders in the field, SITC aims to one day make the word “cure” a reality for cancer patients everywhere. Learn more about SITC, our educational offerings and other resources at sitcancer.org and follow us on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Media Contact
Thomas Martin, Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC), 414-271-2456, [email protected], sitcancer.org
Evocati Public Relations, a veteran-owned firm based in Tysons, VA, has been named a finalist in PR Daily’s Nonprofit Communications Awards for their campaign launching MilitaryConnected.org. The campaign, which achieved over 310 million impressions and secured $500,000 in seed funding, was recognized for its success in promoting a newly launched nonprofit supporting “military-ready” businesses. The firm, founded by Iraq War veteran Barrett Y. Bogue, is celebrated for its dedication to underserved communities through purpose-driven public relations.
TYSONS, Va., Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Evocati PR is thrilled to announce it has been recognized as a finalist in the PR Campaign category of PR Daily’s Nonprofit Communications Awards for its “Launching MilitaryConnected.org in a Crowded Sea of Goodwill” campaign.
The campaign achieved remarkable results in 2023 as its client was featured by Military Times, USA Today, Yahoo! News, the Associated Press, and MarketWatch, earning more than 310 million impressions. As a result, MilitaryConnected.org led the national share of voice around “military-ready” businesses. More importantly it secured $500,000 in seed funding and its first corporate sponsorship.
“This is so totally awesome,” said Barrett Y. Bogue, President and Founder of Evocati PR. “We’re excited that our micro-PR firm is a finalist alongside bigger firms as it underscores the talent and passion our team has for serving nonprofit clients. We believe every underserved community in America deserves a voice and are honored by PR Daily’s recognition.” A veteran of the Iraq War, Bogue founded the firm after more than a decade of service in the federal and nonprofit sectors.
Evocati PR has a proud history of proven results with organizations that serve underrepresented communities including Soldiers’ Angels, the National Potato Council, Hero’s Bridge, Fayetteville State University, and the Michigan Potato Industry Commission.
PR Daily’s Nonprofit Communications Awards shine a spotlight on the meaningful work that teams are doing to advocate for, build awareness of, and/or raise funds for important nonprofit causes, initiatives or organizations; they are a celebration of the passion that drives these organizations.
“Congratulations to Evocati PR,” said Brendan Gannon, Senior Marketing Manager for Ragan’s and PR Daily’s Awards programs. “Your recognition is a testament to the dedication and innovation that your team has poured into your work.”
Evocati PR will be honored with the other finalists during the Nonprofit Communications Awards Luncheon, which will take place September 27 at the Yale Club in New York City. This event will be an inspiring industry event, honoring the top nonprofit communications work. It will provide opportunities for attendees to network, celebrating all of the successful work from the past year and more.
About Evocati Public Relations: Founded in 2018, Evocati Public Relations partners with leading businesses to research, market, and grow their impact through purpose-driven public relations. Its mission is to empower any business with a cost-efficient means to communicate, activate, and inspire underserved communities. Headquartered in Tysons, VA, Evocati PR is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business that supports clients across the U.S. Visit www.evocatillc.com to learn more.
About Ragan Communications and PR Daily: Ragan Communications has been delivering trusted news, training and intelligence for more than 50 years to internal and external communicators and business executives via its conferences, webinars, training, awards, subscriptions and its membership divisions. Its daily news sites—PRDaily.com and Ragan.com—are read by more than 600,000 internal and external communicators monthly.
Pull Quote
“Congratulations to Evocati PR,” said Brendan Gannon, Senior Marketing Manager for Ragan’s and PR Daily’s Awards programs. “Your recognition is a testament to the dedication and innovation that your team has poured into your work.”
This is the Miami-based dental staffing marketplace’s first appearance on the prestigious list.
MIAMI, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Inc. recently revealed that GoTu Technology, Inc., ranked 42 on the 2024 Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. This is the Miami-based dental staffing marketplace’s first appearance on the prestigious list.
The annual ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Under Armour, Timberland, Oracle, Patagonia, and many other household-name brands gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.
“Being named on the Inc. 5000 list is a powerful validation of our mission to empower the dental community,” said Cary Gahm, co-founder and co-CEO of GoTu. “This achievement belongs to our incredible team, who are redefining what’s possible in our industry.”
The Inc. 5000 class of 2024 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. Among this year’s top 500 companies, the average median three-year revenue growth rate is 1,637 percent. In all, this year’s Inc. 5000 companies have added 874,458 jobs to the economy over the past three years.
“Being in the top 1% is proof of the impact we’re making,” said GoTu co-founder and co-CEO Edward Thomas. “At GoTu, we’re thriving by focusing on delivering unmatched value and flexibility to our users. I’m incredibly proud of our team and community that are changing the way the world works.”
For complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, location, and other criteria, go to www.inc.com/inc5000. All 5000 companies are featured on Inc.com starting Tuesday, August 13, and the top 500 appear in the new issue of Inc. magazine, available on newsstands beginning Tuesday, August 20.
“One of the greatest joys of my job is going through the Inc. 5000 list,” says Mike Hofman, who recently joined Inc. as editor-in-chief. “To see all of the intriguing and surprising ways that companies are transforming sectors, from health care and AI to apparel and pet food, is fascinating for me as a journalist and storyteller. Congratulations to this year’s honorees, as well, for growing their businesses fast despite the economic disruption we all faced over the past three years, from supply chain woes to inflation to changes in the workforce.”
Founded in 2019 by tech visionaries Ed Thomas and Cary Gahm, the company has evolved from a modest team of two to a thriving workforce of more than 150. Its user-friendly platform connects over 25,000 dental offices with over 45,000 verified dental professionals and has filled more than 125,000 shifts across more than 30 states.
Learn more about GoTu at https://joingotu.com and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube @joingotu.
About GoTu
GoTu is a pioneering, technology-driven workforce solution and skill-sharing marketplace serving the dental industry. The platform allows dental offices to contract directly with registered dental hygienists, dental assistants, and associate dentists to fill both short-term and permanent positions. Launched in 2019 as a response to the growing staffing crisis in the dental industry, the platform has connected more than 25,000 dental offices with over 45,000 dental professionals. Founders and childhood friends Cary Gahm and Edward Thomas, in collaboration with Debra Simmons, RDH, have grown the Miami-based business from a bootstrapped startup to an institutional, investor-backed powerhouse with 150+ dedicated team members. For more information, visit joingotu.com.
Inc. 5000 Methodology
Companies on the 2024 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2020 to 2023. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2020. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2023. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2020 is $100,000; the minimum for 2023 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Growth rates used to determine company rankings were calculated to four decimal places.
About Inc.
Inc. Business Media is the leading multimedia brand for entrepreneurs. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of our community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating our future. Inc.’s award-winning work achieves a monthly brand footprint of more than 40 million across a variety of channels, including events, print, digital, video, podcasts, newsletters, and social media. Its proprietary Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since its launch as the Inc. 100 in 1982, analyzes company data to rank the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The recognition that comes with inclusion on this and other prestigious Inc. lists, such as Female Founders and Power Partners, gives the founders of top businesses the opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. For more information, visit www.inc.com.
For more information on the Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, to be held from October 16 to 18 in Palm Desert, California, please visithttp://conference.inc.com/.
The accelerator program culminates in a pitch competition, providing the entrepreneurs with an opportunity to be awarded $10K in seed funding.
“We’re very excited to work closely with these visionary Founders who are beginning their respective start-up journeys,” said Keevin O’Rourke, Managing Director, 2Gether-International. “All of the founders selected have a ton of growth potential and are creating tech businesses that fulfill important needs.”
The 2GI Summer MVP Cohort Accelerator participants include:
– Lucía Lasaga, Founder of We Are Trippers, which aims to enhance the airport transit experience by providing personalized guides for travelers.
– Sarah Hughes, Founder of Hollynd, a crowdsourced platform for the disability community to find and share products and experiences that enhance their lives.
– Maria Julia Guimaraes, Founder of Totem Tech, which delivers AI-powered smart clothing designed for people with invisible disabilities to work at their full potential and live their best lives.
– Verena Frydberg, Founder of BUYSELL Clothing, an app for the resale marketplace where users can buy and sell anything related to fashion.
– Jen Schlegel, Founder of 119, a communication tool for those who need personalized medical care, guiding others through the appropriate response in an emergency situation.
– Lauren Nignon, Founder of Feminine Intelligence Agency, which is building a suite of products and services that mitigate the unique risks that women and girls face in their romantic relationships, through providing assessments, education, and resilience training.
– Simone Charles, Founder of 24/7 Evergreek, a platform for fraternity and sorority paraphernalia to be found easily and allow companies selling goods to share their wares.
“Congratulations to the Summer 2024 MVP Cohort. It’s inspiring to see the entrepreneurial drive and ingenuity of the disabled founders in our latest accelerator class,” said Diego Mariscal, CEO and Founder of 2Gether-International. “I look forward to seeing all that these founders are able to accomplish in their Cohort journey, and am proud to witness the incredible strides and innovation being made in the accessible technology sphere.”
Additional features of the 2GI Cohort include:
– Founders will complete a series of startup workshops tailored to the unique experiences of people with disabilities
– Custom one-on-one coaching from accredited leadership coaches
– Peer-to-peer founder discussion and networking groups
– Community building via 2GI’s accessible online social platform, “The Get2Gether’
– World-class speakers and mentors in the entrepreneurship and/or disability sector
– Connections to investors and support fundraising both during and post-program
Through Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and economic mobility, the company is continuing organizational support by committing over $1 million USD – the first portion of which they gave in 2022 – to fuel 2GI’s programming through 2025. The funding helps equip disabled start-up founders with the tools and resources they need for their companies to be leaders in their respective industries. The partnership with Comcast will also further fuel 2GI’s efforts to recruit and serve more people specifically with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities throughout all their programs and initiatives.
“We’re proud of our ongoing partnership with 2Gether-International as they continue to expand opportunities for disabled founders and demonstrate the broad economic value this community provides,” said Gwyneth Gaul, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Philanthropy, Comcast Corporation.
Since the launch of 2GI’s first accelerator in 2019, over 80 startups have participated, and these businesses have collectively raised approximately $70 million dollars in funding from investment, revenue and acquisitions from outside investors.
2Gether-International is the leading startup accelerator run by and for entrepreneurs with disabilities. 2GI supports high-growth, high-impact startups, led by founders with disabilities. Through this work 2GI highlights disability as a competitive advantage for businesses. Learn more about 2GI and their accelerator program here: https://2Gether-international.org/
About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
Consulting Firm to Support Responsible Business Practices for Large Companies
WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Trendline Strategies is excited to announce its official launch as a premier consulting firm based in Washington, D.C. With a mission to redefine strategic consulting, Trendline Strategies offers unique expertise in strategic advice, public affairs representation, and crisis management support. The firm is dedicated to fostering responsible business practices and driving sustainable gains for its clients. Trendline Strategies’ clients include the Business Roundtable and Public Private Strategies.
Founded on the principle that strategic partnerships are key to thriving in today’s complex business landscape, Trendline Strategies brings over a decade of experience from both the public and private sectors. The firm’s innovative approach includes creating and leveraging coalitions to amplify client objectives and deliver substantial value.
“Trendline Strategies is more than a consulting firm; we’re a partner in driving meaningful change and sustainable outcomes,” said Jonay Holkins, Founder of Trendline Strategies. “Rooted in integrity, innovation, and collaboration, our mission is to advance responsible business practices and help organizations make a positive impact. With our diverse expertise and client-centered approach, we deliver strategies that not only achieve business goals but also benefit employees and communities. Our commitment to authenticity and excellence ensures that our solutions are both effective and aligned with our clients’ business objectives and values.”
Trendline Strategies specializes in:
Strategic Advice: Tailored strategies that align with clients’ goals and market dynamics.
Public Affairs Representation: Effective engagement with stakeholders and policymakers to enhance organizational influence.
Crisis Management: Expert support to navigate and mitigate risks during challenging times.
Coalition Building: Facilitating and managing strategic partnerships to bolster client initiatives and drive collective success.
The firm’s approach integrates comprehensive industry insights with innovative solutions, empowering clients to achieve measurable outcomes and uphold their commitments to stakeholders. Trendline Strategies is poised to make a significant impact in the consulting arena by championing responsible practices and fostering meaningful collaborations. For more information about Trendline Strategies and how the firm can support your organization’s strategic goals, visit thetrendline.com.
About Trendline Strategies
Trendline Strategies is a Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm specializing in strategic advice, public affairs representation, crisis management, and coalition building. With a focus on responsible business practices, Trendline Strategies leverages over a decade of cross-sector experience to deliver transformative results for large companies and organizations.
Over the past five years, The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation has donated over $5.7 million in partnership with DonorsChoose to empower public school teachers who go above and beyond for their students. The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation first partnered with DonorsChoose in 2019, when the organization matched donations to science projects submitted by teachers on DonorsChoose to celebrate season three of Young Sheldon on CBS. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation participated in the DonorsChoose Keep Kids Learning campaign to support remote learning for students. In 2023, the foundation teamed up with General Motors to double $1 million in donations to STEM supplies on DonorsChoose in celebration of National STEM Day and Young Sheldon.
“At a time when so many K-12 music programs are facing budget cuts, we are grateful The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation is giving music educators the boost of support they deserve,” said Alix Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose. “Research shows arts education has a meaningful impact on students’ academic outcomes and social emotional growth and by setting a record for giving exclusively to music projects on DonorsChoose, the foundation is telling students that their music education matters, and that someone is cheering them on as they pursue a passion for the arts.”
ABOUT THE CHUCK LORRE FAMILY FOUNDATION The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation (TCLFF) is dedicated to funding innovative and compassionate organizations in the areas of education, health, and the arts. Reflecting the values and unique experiences of the Lorre family, the foundation supports programs, services, and opportunities for those struggling with less and striving for more. TCLFF supports philanthropic partnerships and programs with organizations and institutions that inspire hope, leadership, creativity, and productivity, focused in the Los Angeles area.
ABOUT DONORSCHOOSE DonorsChoose is the leading way to give to public schools. Since 2000, 6 million people and partners have contributed $1.6 billion to support over nearly 3 million teacher requests for learning resources and experiences. As the most trusted crowdfunding platform for teachers, donors, and district administrators alike, DonorsChoose vets each request, ships the funded resources directly to the teacher, and provides thank yous and reporting to donors and school leaders. Charity Navigator and GuideStar have awarded DonorsChoose, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, their highest ratings for transparency and accountability. For more information, visit http://www.donorschoose.org.
“We are seeking a strategic, experienced, and visionary leader who will embrace the opportunity to elevate Sonoran University to its next level of accomplishment and build upon Dr. Mittman’s remarkable work,” said Dr. Duane Roen, Sonoran Trustee, Search Committee chair, and former vice provost and dean at Arizona State University. “This individual is expected to carry out day-to-day operations, build on efforts to further elevate the institution and its professions, strengthen the success of students and alumni in service of the broader community, and enhance its long-term financial health.”
Since its founding in 1992, Sonoran University has blended new ways of learning and teaching with timeless principles of naturopathic and conventional medicine and healthcare. Today the University, situated on 8.5-acres in Tempe, Arizona, offers multiple accredited degree programs through the College of Naturopathic Medicine, the College of Nutrition, and the newly launched School of Mental Health. Additionally, Sonoran offers a variety of other services that extend opportunities for student learning, cutting-edge research, and provides free healthcare delivery and access in under-resourced communities
Developed from feedback from surveys and focus groups, the Presidential Position Profile identifies the skills and attributes the University is seeking in its new president. To read the Presidential Position Profile, how to nominate, and the application process, please visit: https://www.sonoran.edu/presidential-search/
For more information on Sonoran University, please visit www.sonoran.edu.
About Sonoran University of Health Sciences
Sonoran University of Health Sciences is a private non-profit and internationally recognized higher education institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The University’s College of Naturopathic Medicine, College of Nutrition, and School of Mental Health’s evidence-based program offerings shape a healthier future by supporting students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals.
Serving the University’s mission, the Sage Foundation for Health supports several Community Clinics focused on providing free naturopathic medical care to local under-resourced communities. The College of Nutrition’s Virtual Center for Personalized Nutrition provides personalized and evidence-based care delivered at no cost. The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research is a state-of-the-art laboratory seeking to improve therapies for global health concerns. The University’s Clinical Care branch operates open-to-the-public clinics and Medicinary, Arizona’s largest natural pharmacy. The Medical Center provides naturopathic healthcare to patients seeking evidence-based complementary services. The Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine focuses on non-opioid solutions to pain and pain management.
Government-supported at the national, state and local levels, the RFW-FL Coalition is a groundbreaking initiative tasked with solving the complex challenges of addiction and recovery in the workplace. In addition to government backing, Florida’s RFW Coalition includes the support of local and state businesses, training and educational institutions, the state’s extensive treatment community as well as individuals in recovery.
NET to Drive RFW-FL Efforts
The NET Training Institute (NTI), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing workplace wellness, has been appointed to spearhead Florida’s RFW initiatives. As the official Administrative Agency, this designation highlights NTI’s commitment to creating supportive and recovery-focused work environments. In this capacity NTI will produce a Center of Excellence for Florida’s participation in this critical nationwide effort.
The RFW-FL Coalition’s leadership team includes Co-chairs Merriwether and Richard Riccardi, founder and CEO of Fellowship Recovery Community Organization. Ashley Grimes has been named Executive Director.
Cheryl Brown Merriwether brings over two decades of experience in corporate HR management and addiction recovery awareness to her role at NTI, where she oversees operations and student support services. Merriwether is the Immediate Past President of the Greater Orlando Society for Human Resources (GOSHRM) and an active Board Member of Project Opioid.
Richard (Rick) Riccardi founded the Fellowship Recovery Community Organization, a nonprofit providing recovery support services across Broward County. With 30 years in long-term recovery, Riccardi advocates for those with substance use disorders and holds several leadership roles in local community organizations. Connect on LinkedIn.
Ashley Grimes brings her expertise in the addiction community to the RFW-FL Coalition. Past President of the Florida National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Board and Executive Director of NAMI FL, Grimes is an iconic figure in the mental health/recovery community. She was named to the Florida Health Care Power 100 recognizing key influencers. Connect on LinkedIn.
National Roots Take Hold
The RFW concept began in New Hampshire in 2018 under Governor Sununu and has gained national traction. In November 2023, the Biden-Harris administration released the Recovery-Ready Workplace Toolkit for organizations seeking to create a recovery supportive culture. The Global Recovery Initiatives Foundation (GRI) established the National RFW Institute in January 2024. The nationwide effort aims to create healthy and safe workplaces, support workers who are struggling with substance use disorder, and facilitate opportunities for individuals in recovery to enter or reenter the workforce.
The RFW-FL initiative signals a collaborative effort between federal and state governments to address substance use disorder as a medical condition. This partnership underscores the importance of implementing solutions at both the state and national levels to support individuals in recovery.
Merriwether’s appointment to the National Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute’s Steering Committee earlier this year is a notable achievement. These national standards for RFW certification for large-scale employers across multiple states were established in May 2024. The Florida RFW Coalition is tasked with creating its own state-level standards and certification processes that can mirror or deviate from national standards based on Florida’s unique addiction challenges.
About NET Training Institute (NTI)
NET Training Institute (NTI) is dedicated to nurturing, equipping, and training front-line workers and professionals seeking practical skills in addiction recovery. Since its inception in 1996, NTI has focused on providing hands-on training for counselors, therapists, and other practitioners.
Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1998, NTI has trained 40,000 students worldwide, including those from India, Egypt, Russia, Finland, Ghana, Ireland, Central and South America, Pakistan, South Africa, the Philippines, Singapore, Iran, Sri Lanka, the UK, Canada, and Bermuda.
NTI’s curriculum adheres to international standards set by various professional addiction certification boards, offering a unique and comprehensive training experience. The NET Training Institute remains committed to advancing addiction recovery education with a focus on practical, applicable skills for professionals across the globe. Visit NTI’s website for additional information.
Media Contact
Elizabeth Fairleigh, thE Connection, 1 404 6954562, [email protected] , thE Connection
