Welcome SAARA's New Executive Director

Monica Ellis

Richmond, VA, June 30, 2020 - The SAARA of Virginia Board of Directors would like to welcome and congratulate our new Executive Director, Mr. Victor McKenzie, Jr.! His appointment in this role began on June 15, and he has hit the ground running since his arrival.

As he takes the reigns of SAARA, Victor has expressed a strong commitment to continuing to grow the impact of SAARA of Virginia's advocacy work and strengthening its relationships with each of the local SAARA affiliates to help ensure that communities are free from substance abuse and addiction. In his own words,

"Growing up, I saw many individuals and families suffering from addiction, but the stigma and negative association surrounding the disease has created barriers to the people in need of treatment and support resources to access the services and supports that can save their lives improve our communities. I look forward to changing that narrative through consistent advocacy, further community education, and building coalitions to work collaboratively to advocate for changes in policies, including a focus on prevention measures, and expanding the availability and accessibility of services and support for those affected by it." 

Before joining SAARA, Victor had most recently served as the Interim Executive Director and Program Director of Neighborhood Resource Center of Greater Fulton (NRC Fulton). While serving at NRC Fulton, Victor led the strategic growth and management initiatives of this community-based organization across multiple programmatic and operational areas as well as external projects for the organization. In that role, he also established a culture of innovation and collaboration.

Victor has received several recognitions for his work, including being named one of the Community Foundation of Greater Richmond's Emerging Leaders in Nonprofits (Cohort 13). He was also appointed by Richmond City Council to serve on the Capital Area Uplifting People. Inc. (CAPUP) Board of Directors. He also serves on the board of Innovate Fulton and has previously served on the Better Housing Coalition YP Board (2018-2020). He is also a participant with several local coalitions and commissions on poverty reduction, economic mobility, and affordable housing in the Greater Richmond area.

Victor will be reaching out to all our Board members, funding organizations' representatives, and advocacy partners in the next few weeks to renew and re-affirm those essential relationships. Please welcome him warmly when he calls.

Again, on behalf of myself and the entire Board of Directors, and to all our partners, I say, "congratulations!" and welcome aboard Executive Director, Mr. Victor McKenzie, Jr.!

Victor may be reached by phone number (804) 762-4445 or by emailing victor@saara.org.

Sincerely,

Frederika Jones, SAARA of Virginia Board President

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Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Alliance (SAARA) of Virginia is a 501c3 Statewide Recovery Advocacy Organization. SAARA is supported by the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant by contract with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.