Kansas Department of Commerce
The Kansas Department of Commerce released the following statement today from Commerce Secretary Pat George regarding his decision to become president and CEO of the Valley Hope Foundation in Norton:
“I feel honored and humbled to have been appointed Secretary of Commerce, and I will forever be grateful to Governor Brownback for the opportunity to serve the people of this great state. I have been blessed to work alongside colleagues who have devoted their talents and time to making Kansas a better place, and I know that the Department of Commerce and its mission are in good hands.
“I wish to thank Governor Brownback and his staff, my fellow cabinet members, Department of Commerce employees, Kansans, my loving family, and most of all God, whose mercy and grace provided me the strength to overcome many personal challenges in order to be of service to so many.”
“I look forward to joining a dedicated Valley Hope team that has been successful in giving so many people help and hope of a life free from addiction.”
Valley Hope is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit providers of alcoholism and substance abuse treatment. George will become the fourth CEO to lead the organization since its founding in 1967 and has been on the Valley Hope board the past 14 years. He plans to continue building around the mission of helping those suffering from addiction. Current Valley Hope CEO, Ken Gregoire, leaves after a distinguished 38-year tenure with the organization.
In addition to the corporate headquarters in Norton, Valley Hope operates 17 treatment facilities in seven states including three residential facilities and two outpatient centers in Kansas, as well as residential and outpatient locations in Missouri, Nebraska, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas and Arizona. Valley Hope employs more than 700 staff members system wide and provides treatment to more than 15,000 individuals annually.
“Pat’s experience leading organizations through challenging and changing conditions gives us confidence that he is the right person to guide Valley Hope in this time of healthcare reform,” stated Dave Hill, chairman of the Valley Hope Association Board of Directors. “In addition, Pat’s twenty-four years in recovery and twelve years of board service reassure us that quality of care and concern for the patient will govern his choices as CEO.”