Teresa Evans will take over as Wayside’s Interim CEO on October 6, 2022
After October 5, 2022, Ruth Richardson will step down as CEO of Wayside Recovery Center to begin her new role as CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States.
“Wayside’s mission is powerful, and will continue to have a tremendous impact on our community,” Ruth said. “It has been my privilege to work with so many dedicated colleagues focused on breaking the cycle of addiction and trauma for women and families.”
Since 2019 Ruth has led Wayside through a period of unprecedented challenges and tremendous growth. Under her accomplished and steadfast leadership, Wayside not only survived the challenges of providing residential treatment during a global pandemic, but thrived while expanding services to become federally accredited as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) in order to meet the increasing substance use disorder and mental health needs in our community.
Grateful for Ruth’s service, Wayside’s Board of Directors unanimously appointed Teresa Evans, Wayside’s Chief Advancement Officer, as Interim CEO during the transition. “Teresa brings a strong mission-centered and data-driven focus to the work,” said Lori Hoefener, Board Chair. “Her broad organizational knowledge, strong stakeholder relationships and deep commitment to the mission over the past 5 years makes her well-positioned to assume the role of Interim CEO while the Board of Directors conducts its search.” Teresa’s appointment will begin October 6, 2022.
Wayside’s Board of Directors will establish a search committee for Wayside’s next CEO and once again partner with Strategic Consulting & Coaching.
“I know Wayside will be in extremely capable hands during the interim period,” said Ruth. “When we walk with purpose aligned with our goals and focused on our mission, we foster a community of hope that tomorrow can be better than today, and we shine a bright light on the fact that recovery is possible.”