Senior Leadership
The WestCare Leadership Team is committed to continuing the vision of uplifting the human spirit throughout each and every WestCare location. Through the governance of the Board of Directors and guidance of the Senior Staff, WestCare Foundation has grown into an organization in 17 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Dominican Republic, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Senior Leadership
Richard “Dick” Steinberg
President
Richard “Dick” Steinberg
Richard “Dick” Steinberg is the President of WestCare Inc. As the President of WestCare Foundation, Inc., Mr. Steinberg is responsible for the endowment and private philanthropy, FitzHouse Enterprises, and shaping the future direction of WestCare’s treatment and community development work. Serving as WestCare Foundation’s President and CEO for over forty-four years, WestCare has grown to be one of the nation’s largest, nonprofit organizations addressing the broad array of health, wellness, and human services. WestCare’s current operations exist in over one-hundred-thirty facilities expanding across seventeen states, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Pacific islands of Guam, the Northern Marianas, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and American Samoa.
Since his earliest days working at the local YMCA, Mr. Steinberg has simply been interested in helping people build better lives. As a Clinical Specialist in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in South Vietnam, Dick demonstrated leadership abilities early in his career. In addition to supervising Army personnel, facilities and programs, he developed a Substance Abuse Program for his battalion as well as Medical Civic Action Projects assisting elders, women, and children in the local villages of Vietnam. Once he returned to America after the war, Dick worked as an Educational Therapy Assistant in the Long Beach Veterans’ Hospital where he coordinated the provision of educational programs for patients suffering from spinal cord injuries and/or substance abuse disorders.
In 1978, Mr. Steinberg joined Fitzsimmons House, a Therapeutic Community Treatment program in Las Vegas, NV, and, a year later, became the Director. Under his leadership, Fitzsimmons House began to grow and expanded operations to Mt. Charleston at the historic Harris Springs Ranch and added the Women and Children Campus and Crises Triage and Detox Center in downtown Las Vegas. Operations then expanded to Arizona and California becoming what is now known as WestCare. Inc.
Mr. Steinberg has made significant contributions to the field of behavioral health and is a recognized leader in this field. He is Past President of Treatment Communities of America (TCA), an appointee of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment National Advisory Council, and former Board Member of the Forensic Addictions Corrections Treatment Board for the University of California San Diego Medical School. He is also a member of the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, American Correctional Association, National Association of Drug and Alcohol Counselors, Western States Youth Services Network, World Federation of Therapeutic Communities, and the International Council on Alcohol and Addictions.
Mr. Steinberg received his Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Nevada Las Vegas following a BA in Psychology from California State University Long Beach.
Ken Ortbals
Chief Executive Officer
Ken Ortbals
Ken Ortbals is the Chief Executive Officer of WestCare Foundation, Inc. This scope includes over twenty non-profit entities operating in seventeen US states, four US territories, and two independent republics. This scope includes operating twenty-four non-profit entities operating in seventeen states, four territories and three countries. Ken joined WestCare in October 2015 as the Chief Information Officer. He then stepped into the Chief Financial Officer position and took on additional responsibilities as the Executive Vice President.
Prior to joining WestCare Foundation, Mr. Ortbals served as the Chief Operating Officer for First Call in Kansas City, Missouri. First Call provides clinical, educational and prevention services to individuals and families in the Greater Kansas City area. As Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Ortbals was responsible for collaborating with the CEO to create annual strategic plans, coordinate the annual operations budget and lead the performance management process. Before assuming this role, he served as First Call’s Technology Director. In this role, he was responsible for multiple projects involving the Community CareLink software platform. Mr. Ortbals was integral in the success of these projects, as he was responsible for building the web-based software applications that utilize an n-tier architecture, interfacing with staff to effectively implement project requirements, and delivering onsite and remote training to front-end users. Before Mr. Ortbals ventured into the nonprofit industry, he worked in the private sector managing major project implementations in the wireless communications and telecommunications industry with Accenture. Accenture is a multinational management and consulting, technology services and outsourcing company that delivers on the promise of technology and human ingenuity.
Mr. Ortbals’ career proves him a successful, results-oriented leader. His background of executive leadership, accounting and information security provides a well-rounded perspective on how to lead with integrity, transparency, and innovation. As a leader who cultivates a culture of high morality and fairness, Mr. Ortbals is committed to upholding WestCare’s mission of Uplifting the Human Spirit.
A graduate of Central Missouri State University, Mr. Ortbals holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a dual-major in Management Information Systems and Accounting. 
Danny Blanco
Chief Operating Officer - Florida
Danny Blanco
Danny Blanco embarked on his career in the behavioral health field in 2009 as a dedicated case manager, focusing on serving adolescents with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues. His passion for helping individuals struggling with these challenges led him to excel in his role and make a significant impact on the lives of those he served. In 2015, Danny’s work and commitment were recognized when he was appointed as the Coordinator of Outpatient Services at WestCare The Village South. In this role, he took on the responsibility of overseeing the day-to-day operations of the outpatient programs, ensuring that high-quality care and support were provided to clients in need.
Building on his success, Danny was promoted to the position of Director of Outpatient and Prevention Services in 2016. In this leadership role, he led a team of over 40 staff members who delivered community-based clinical services in Miami-Dade County. Danny’s strong leadership skills and strategic vision were instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of the programs under his supervision.
In 2020, Danny’s outstanding performance and leadership qualities led to his promotion to Vice President of WestCare The Village South. In this new role, he took on the responsibility of overseeing all operations in Miami-Dade and Broward County, including prevention, outpatient, and residential services. Danny’s innovative approaches and dedication to improving the quality of care for individuals in need further solidified his reputation as a respected leader in the behavioral health field. In 2023, Danny’s contributions to WestCare The Village South were recognized once again when he was promoted to Senior Vice President. In this capacity, he continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the organization's strategic direction, ensuring the delivery of comprehensive and effective behavioral health services to the South Florida community.
Throughout his career, Danny Blanco has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to empowering individuals to overcome behavioral health challenges and lead fulfilling lives. His leadership, passion, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the field of behavioral health and the lives of countless individuals in need of support and care.
With a career spanning over a decade, he has been a driving force in the field, dedicated to improving the lives of individuals. Danny Blanco's visionary leadership has been instrumental in implementing initiatives that promote awareness, reduce stigma, and enhance access to quality care. He has successfully forged strategic partnerships with government agencies, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations, fostering collaborative efforts to maximize resources and expand the organization's reach. Danny Blanco's unwavering dedication to behavioral health has earned him recognition as a thought leader in the field. He continues to be a catalyst for change, advocating for a society that values and prioritizes behavioral health, ensuring that individuals of all backgrounds have access to the care and resources they deserve.
Cristian Duarte
Chief Operating Officer - Caribbean/Latin America
Cristian Duarte
Cristian O. Duarte, born on May 2, 1979, at the San Cristóbal Hospital in the Federal Capital of the Province of Buenos Aires, is the second son of Mr. Máximo Duarte and Mrs. María Zumilda Ramos De Duarte. He has a brother, Máximo Duarte, and a sister, Norma Duarte, who still live in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He always showed a high intellectual level during elementary and middle school, allowing him to enter Valentina Alsina’s Mariano Moreno School.
Unfortunately, just as he demonstrated high intellect from a young age, he also showed behavioral problems. These issues resulted in his expulsion from the school during his second year. This incident led Cristian to begin a new phase in a new school. A period in which he also started to use drugs and alcohol from a very early age. His problems with drug and alcohol use increased throughout his teenage years; at age 18, he decided to ask for help and began receiving substance abuse treatment at the Cumelén Program in Argentina.
After completing his recovery at age 20, he began working as a socio-therapeutic operator in Argentina for the Cumelén Program. At age 21, he was presented with the opportunity to direct a Therapeutic Community in Puerto Rico. A proposal that he accepted. In June 2000, Cristian emigrated to Puerto Rico, where he stands out for doing exceptional work. Mr. Duarte began to direct the Hogar San José with perseverance and discipline. Under his guidance, the program rapidly grew, going from providing no services and no income to providing services to about 24 residents with an annual income of $800,000.00. Over the years, he had five children: Christopher Duarte, Inaru Duarte, Manaya Duarte, Aidan Duarte, and Tahiel Duarte. He moved to Georgia in 2006, although he continued his work in Puerto Rico.
During this time, Mr. Duarte became certified as a substance abuse counselor and graduated with honors from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico. Furthermore, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in Human Resources. He always pursued his dream of having an organization to provide services to those most in need. With a $12,000 loan and a burned-out house, he started working on his dream in 2007. As always, giving his best and with nothing to stop him, with ups and downs, he began to serve homeless people and people with addiction problems.
Initially, he started a service project for five people in the same house where he lived with his family. Today, the organization has expanded to provide services for 180 clients with the support of 160 employees and a 7-million-dollar surplus. Guara Bi, Inc. currently has 13 projects, four named in honor of his children. It currently has the capacity to provide services to 200 homeless people. It also has a facility in Santo Domingo that serves 15 clients. Additionally, as an entrepreneur, in 2008, he started a transportation business in Georgia, managing three offices and eight trucks. Furthermore, in 2017, he established a real estate business, buying and renting properties.
Due to his incredible talent as a businessman and big heart, always seeking to serve and help others, Cristian has managed to unite Guara Bi with a national company called WestCare, which is dedicated to serving people in need. Thus, he became the Deputy COO of the Caribbean and Latin America for WestCare, where he currently directs projects in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, the Virgin Islands, and other areas in Latin America.
Mr. Duarte has always been motivated by thoughts such as:
- “Everything begins with a dream.”
- There is no such thing as: “I can’t.”
- “Wanting is power.”
- “Excuses are good for the one who gives them, not for the one who receives them.”
- “Discipline and perseverance are the keys to success.”
- “Focus on solutions, not problems.”
- “To start a business, you do not need money, just a dream and the desire to fulfill it.”
Jason Engel
Chief Clinical Officer
Jason Engel
Jason Engel, DBH, MBA, LCSW, LCADC, is Chief Clinical Officer of WestCare’s Operations. As chief clinical officer, he oversees the coordination, clinical integration, quality and safety of care across the organization.
In this role, he is responsible for clinical practice operations; oversees population health, risk management, clinical innovation and resource management. He provides leadership and direction for all aspects of clinical services delivery. This includes the management of clinical operations, quality and systems improvement. He possesses a wealth of expertise in operations, clinical and performance improvement, regulatory and compliance.
Dr. Engel is a highly accomplished leader with vast experience in quality management and service excellence. He is an avid proponent of initiatives aimed at improving safety, reducing cost and minimizing variation in the delivery of patient care across diverse settings.
As a respected leader in the field, he has an extensive background in developing collaborative community programs, policy and advocacy efforts and building strong relationships across non-profit, for-profit and government sectors.
His work focuses on addressing social influencers of health, health equity, and implementing programs to improve health in communities. His other work includes improving outcomes and overall patient experience, focusing on performance improvement, and oversight of the enterprise-wide clinical delivery of care.
He is a life member of the International Association for Doctors of Behavioral Health (IADBH) and has served on many other professional organizations throughout his career.
Dr. Engel is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and holds two Master’s Degrees in Clinical Social Work and Business Administration. He also has earned a Doctorate degree in Behavioral Health from Arizona State University.
Linda Erath
Chief Financial Officer
Linda Erath
Linda Erath is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of WestCare Foundation, Inc. In this role, Linda is responsible for the organization’s financial functions, including accounting, budgets, audit, treasury, and business insurance. Linda joined WestCare Foundation in 2014 as Regional Controller and was promoted to Chief Financial Officer in 2022 due to her financial management, communication skills, business leadership, and corporate strategy success.
Before joining WestCare, Linda served as both Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for United Way of Southern Nevada. United Way of Southern Nevada is a non-profit organization that partners with local organizations, businesses, and individuals to bridge service gaps in education, economic mobility, healthcare, and more. In these roles, she was responsible for developing and implementing the organization’s financial and operational infrastructure and strategic planning.
Before Linda ventured into the world of non-profit organizations, she gained vast experience in the corporate sector. She served as Controller and CFO for Insignia Solutions, a publicly traded NASDAQ software development firm in Silicon Valley. Linda began her accounting career as an auditor with KPMG, specializing in manufacturing, construction, and government agencies.
Linda’s career proves she is a successful, proactive, and results-oriented leader. Her background in for-profit and non-profit business analysis, accounting systems, and reporting allows for a well-rounded leadership style rooted in transparency. This approach to organizational leadership has paved the way for Linda to craft excellent decision-making skills, especially considering the high stakes of corporate finances.
A University of South Florida graduate, Linda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting.
Scott Faulkenberry
Chief Development Officer
Scott Faulkenberry
As the Chief Development Officer for the WestCare Foundation, Mr. Faulkenberry is responsible for the strategic development and execution of comprehensive fundraising projects across WestCare’s regions of operation. Additionally, he provides leadership and direction for regional, national, and international fundraising efforts along with his team of local fundraising and grant-writing professionals.
In this role, he has successfully secured funds from a variety of public and private sources. “The cultivation of relationships with a wide variety of community, regional, national, and international organizations/corporations, as well as individual donors is the most critical piece of the puzzle”. His success demonstrates a great understanding of the value of integrating diverse funding streams to ensure sustainable expansion.
Mr. Faulkenberry’s expertise, developed over the past twenty-eight years, is underscored by his unique ability to determine what funders value, and then develop campaigns designed to exceed established benchmarks and deliverables. It is his ongoing cultivation of individual, corporate, foundation, and personal relationships that have culminated in a successful fundraising career, including the funding of hundreds of nonprofit programs and initiatives.
Before joining WestCare Foundation, Mr. Faulkenberry served as the Vice President of Advancement at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee. Prior to working at Carson-Newman, he was a principal with several national and international fundraising firms responsible for raising billions of dollars for a wide variety of nonprofit entities. Throughout his professional career, Mr. Faulkenberry has personally raised over $300 million in face-to-face solicitations.
Mr. Faulkenberry remains committed to his profession as a member of the National Society of Fundraising Executives (NSFRE) and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), having served on the Board of the Carolinas Chapter of NSFRE. Additionally, his dedication to civic engagement is demonstrated through his work with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) where he received the “Circle of Excellence” Award in 2019. He has served as a member of the following organizations: Board of Directors of the Florence County Arts Alliance, the Florence County School Foundation, the South Carolina and Delta Waterfowl Association, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Coastal Carolina Boy Scouts of America, Campus Crusade for Christ, Coastal Conservation Association, Jefferson County Joint Economic and Community Development Council, and Jefferson County Industrial Development Board. He has served on the Advisory Councils of Jefferson County Human Services Workforce Council, Innovation Valley, and the East Tennessee Economic Development Agency (ETEDA).
A graduate of the College of Charleston, Mr. Faulkenberry holds a Bachelor of Arts in History/Pre-Law and served his country as an Officer in the United States Army National Guard for six years.
Jim Hanna
Chief General Counsel
Shawn Jenkins
Chief Operating Officer - Western Region
Shawn Jenkins
Shawn Jenkins is Deputy Chief Operating Officer of WestCare’s Western Region. As a member of the Executive Leadership team, Mr. Jenkins is responsible for supervising and motivating over 580 agency staff between the nine states that make up the Western Region.
In this role, Mr. Jenkins is responsible for the coordination of over 100 direct and indirect grants, 60+ programs and 40+ physical sites throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, Oregon, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Texas.
Mr. Jenkins has devoted much of his career to increasing program efficiencies and expansion, fund development and enhancing marketing/branding strategies that align with WestCare’s wide mission and vision. Throughout his successful 30+ year career with WestCare, he has served in numerous positions ranging from Residential Substance Abuse Counselor to Chief Program Development Officer of WestCare Foundation. His experience includes organizational leadership, strategic planning, agency budget development, and monitoring financial and programmatic impact.
Mr. Jenkins also remains active in the community where he has served on several Boards and Statewide Committees, including the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Stakeholder Advisory Group, the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs Prop 36 Steering Committee, and the California Therapeutic Communities of America Board. Currently, Mr. Jenkins serves as Secretary on the Board of the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives (CAADPE), California Department of Corrections, Division of Rehabilitative Programs - Directors Stakeholder Advisory Group, Fresno County Community Conversation Stakeholder Group, Street2Home Work Group, and is the Immediate Past Chair of the Fresno Madera Continuum of Care.
Savannah Jones
Chief Administrative Officer
Savannah Jones
Savannah Jones serves as the Chief Administrative Officer at WestCare Foundation, Inc., where she provides strategic leadership and direction for critical departments including Human Resources, Professional Services, Research & Evaluation, and Grant Development. With a passion for fostering inclusive environments and maximizing human capital, Ms. Jones ensures the success of these departments through her expertise in hiring, onboarding, training, research, and compliance practices.
Ms. Jones is dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives both within WestCare and beyond. She leads the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Staff Workgroup and serves as the liaison for the National Board of Directors’ Diversity, Race, and Social Justice Committee, embodying her commitment to creating a workplace that values and respects all individuals.
Bringing a wealth of experience from her previous roles in the hospitality industry and non-profit sector, Ms. Jones has a proven track record of success in talent management and human resources. Prior to joining WestCare, she held leadership positions at renowned corporations such as Hilton Grand Vacations, Wyndham Destinations, and Caesars Entertainment. Additionally, Ms. Jones served as the President of the non-profit organization "You Got the Power," further demonstrating her dedication to serving the community.
Ms. Jones attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University and is a certified Elite Certified Recruitment Expert (ECRE). She has also completed a DEI certification program from the University of South Florida, enhancing her ability to drive impactful DEI initiatives.
Recognized for her achievements, Ms. Jones received the President’s Award at Wyndham for her outstanding contributions and has been honored in the Who’s Who for Human Resources Professionals.
With her exceptional leadership, expertise in human resources, and commitment to diversity and inclusion, Ms. Jones plays a pivotal role in shaping the success and culture of WestCare Foundation, Inc.
Robert "Bob" Neri
Chief Privacy Officer
Robert "Bob" Neri
Robert “Bob” Neri, LMHC, MCAP, is the Chief Privacy Officer for the WestCare Foundation. As a member of the Executive Leadership team, Mr. Neri leads WestCare Foundation’s Professional Services Department, which provides technical assistance and support to WestCare-affiliated organizations in the areas of innovation, accreditation, program improvement, quality, standardization, risk management, sustainability, and staff/program development.
Mr. Neri has been a member of the organization’s senior leadership since 2001 and prior to joining WestCare, Mr. Neri worked at Operation PAR, Inc. from 1975 to 1997, where he served as the Executive Vice-President and previous to that position, he was the Clinical & Administrative Director for Phoenix Houses of Florida, Inc. from 1999 to 2001.
Mr. Neri possesses extensive experience and know-how in all facets of the behavioral health and human services fields. He is particularly passionate about developing substance use disorder and mental health treatment programs targeting the unique needs of high-risk populations (i.e., criminal justice involved, veterans, youthful offenders, individuals with co-occurring disorders, etc.). Further, Mr. Neri is recognized as an expert in the conceptualization and implementation of Therapeutic Community (TC) and Modified Therapeutic Community (MTC) programs.
Mr. Neri is an author of numerous trade articles, trainings and resources for behavioral health professionals and is a recipient of the Arnold Andrews Humanitarian Award from WestCare Foundation, Inc. His civic contributions are significant and include service as the Chair of the Substance Abuse Committee for the American Correctional Association and serving as an expert panelist for the A&E Network, “Town Hall Meeting”. He serves as a Member of the Human Services Advisory Committee at St. Petersburg College, a Member of the Ethics Committee for Treatment Communities of America, and as a Subject Matter Expert for the Telehealth Certification Work Group of the Florida Certification Board. He also enjoys sharing his knowledge with students as an adjunct faculty member within St. Petersburg College’s Human Services program.
Mr. Neri holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Vermont College, and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Certified Master’s Level Addiction Professional (MCAP) in the State of Florida.
Peggy Quigg
CQI Consultant
Peggy Quigg
Peggy Quigg is a member of the President’s Senior Service Advisors. Peggy has over 25 years in the substance abuse field having first served as a volunteer on a local community anti-drug coalition. Her professional experience began in law enforcement and then service with the National Guard’s Drug Demand Reduction Program. Peggy has executive leadership experience at both the state and federal level, serving as the executive director of a large, statewide not-for-profit organization in Missouri and as a member of the senior management team at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and National Guard Bureau in Washington, DC.
Aja Ramos
Chief Operating Officer - Pacific Islands
Aja Ramos
Over the past 20 years, Aja Ramos has been inspired by the countless individuals she has served. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Ms. Ramos has worked in various roles building the resiliency of individuals who face barriers including trauma, abuse, chemical dependency, severe behavioral health disorders, developmental disabilities, homelessness, and domestic violence. Ms. Ramos currently serves as the Chief Operations Officer for WestCare Pacific Islands. As a member of the Executive Leadership team, Ms. Ramos is responsible for the development of and operations critical services in both Guam and the Republic of Palau. In this capacity she advises on and supports broader efforts of WestCare Foundation to expand its footprint in the region of Micronesia; using her unique indigenous perspective as a native CHamoru and her years of experience in Washington state, to develop, procure and implement programming in the Pacific.
As the Vice President of Operations, Ms. Ramos has grown the organization’s presence and operations throughout Guam and the Republic of Palau, consistently increasing revenue, collaborative partnerships, and services to these remote communities. Under her leadership, WestCare Pacific Islands has doubled its operating budget, expanded critical substance use treatment services, implemented its first adolescent mental health program, and strengthened its prevention services infrastructure. Ms. Ramos led the charge in establishing WestCare Pacific Island as the first non-profit offering CARF-accredited adult outpatient treatment services in Guam. Ms. Ramos continues to forge key partnerships with both Governmental, non-profit, and private stakeholders to explore opportunities for other island nations in the region of Micronesia, bringing new resources to those in most need.
Ms. Ramos’ work in the broader community in Guam has focused on advocacy, coordination, and policy. In 2019, Ms. Ramos was selected as the “Social Worker of the Year” by the Guam National Association of Social Workers. In addition, appointed by the Governor of Guam and confirmed by the Guam Legislature, she served as Chair of the Guam Board of Social Work for three years, where she led the charge in launching Guam’s first licensure for social workers. Currently, Ms. Ramos is an active member of the State Epidemiological Outcomes Workgroup, the island’s sole data hub in the field of substance use and mental health which informs broader local programs and policies through its research and findings. In addition, Ms. Ramos participates as a sitting member of the Guam Homeless Coalition which also serves as the island’s onlyContinuum of Care and also executes the region’s only Point-in-time Count and serves as the selection committee for several HUD-funded grants to the local community. Ms. Ramos was most recently featured as a distinguished speaker for the Guam Homeless Coalition’s community-wide fundraising efforts, raising awareness of the local issues and policies addressing homelessness in Guam.
Prior to her position with WestCare Pacific Islands, Ms. Ramos worked for the largest behavioral health organization in Washington State. While there, she delivered crisis intervention, therapeutic counseling, case management, interdisciplinary team facilitation, and client advocacy services. In addition, Ms. Ramos oversaw the agency’s wraparound services as a Supervisor/Coach for the program. In this role, Ms. Ramos sat on the King County committee that oversees systems of care efforts and implementation. This cross-agency network informed practices and policies related to the implementation of wraparound services throughout Washington State’s largest county.
Ms. Ramos holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Washington and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. While in pursuit of this degree, she published a peer review article focused on self-determination from an indigenous CHamoru lens. Ms. Ramos received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Seattle University.
Ms. Ramos uses her experience in program development, collaborative partnerships, human services administration, program evaluation, and community capacity building to enhance WestCare Pacific Islands. WestCare Pacific Islands has benefitted greatly from her experience and leadership in the field. Lastly, Ms. Ramos is fulfilling her life-long dream of returning to her native home to uplift the human spirit of the people and the island where her spirit of “inafa’maolek,” to make good for each other, all began.
Jeramy Salyer
Senior Vice President, FitzHouse Enterprises
Jeramy Salyer
FITZHOUSE’S Senior Vice President, Jeramy Salyer, is a Licensed Contractor in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and West Virginia. Jeramy worked as Deputy Administrator at FitzHouse Enterprises and shares a special connection to WestCare as a proud alumnus himself, graduating in 2007. On February 1, 2008, his first position with WCKY was a Direct Care staff teaching Recovery Dynamics. On October 1, 2008, he went to work for Mike Lavin, along with one other staff, and 3 years later, this team became FitzHouse Enterprises.
Jeramy has been in commercial construction and industrial construction as well as land development for over 30 years. Jeramy is a husband and most recently is the proud papaw of two handsome grandsons.
Dwayne Stevens
Chief Information Officer
Dwayne Stevens
Dwayne Stevens is the Chief Information Officer of WestCare Foundation, Inc. In this role, Mr. Stevens provides leadership and direction in developing, implementing, and maintaining WestCare’s technology infrastructure and information management systems, including the certified electronic healthcare record (EHR). Mr. Stevens is also responsible for overseeing marketing and communications, providing direction for WestCare’s corporate branding, print and electronic publications, social media, and websites. Before assuming the role of CIO, Mr. Stevens served WestCare as the Vice President of Information Security.
Mr. Stevens has spent nearly 25 years in diverse roles as a successful technology leader, practitioner, and instructor in the higher education, telecommunications, financial services, and healthcare industries. Before joining WestCare in 2017, Mr. Stevens was the Corporate Information Security Officer (CISO), leading the information security, physical security, and data analysis teams for a $4 billion regional bank serving Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
Mr. Stevens resides in White Pine, Tennessee, and is an active member of several professional organizations including: HIMSS, H-ISAC, IAPP, InfraGard, ISACA, ISSA, and NTEN. He holds over two dozen technology, privacy, security, and audit-related certifications, including: Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CAHIMS), Certified Cyber Security Architect (CCSA), Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Fellow of Privacy Technology.
Mr. Stevens received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Biology from Pikeville College and obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) from Morehead State University.
Eddie Thomas
Chief of Staff
Eddie Thomas
Eddie Thomas serves as the Chief of Staff for WestCare Foundation. He works directly with the President and CEO to build and foster strong relationships across the organization and with external entities to influence outcomes and maintain momentum. Before joining WestCare in 2016, Eddie spent over 15 years in leadership roles in the retail apparel industry, culminating in the position of Director of Brand Presentation for Polo Ralph Lauren, where he was responsible for ensuring that stores were meeting and enhancing brand standards through product and creative placement for a multi-region territory of 60 stores across 7 districts. He resides in Dandridge, Tenn.
Beverly Watts-Davis
Chief Officer of Resource Development/Program Support
Beverly Watts-Davis
Beverly Watts-Davis is the Chief Officer of Resource Development/Program Support. As a member of the Executive Leadership team, Beverly Watts Davis is responsible for supervising and motivating an eleven-member grant development staff that serves all of WestCare’s States and U.S. Territories. She has over 40 years of experience in leading and managing public agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies and is responsible for acquiring over $600 million in grant revenue over her career. In addition, she serves as the Senior Vice President for Texas where she is responsible for the implementation of WestCare programs and contracts to improve behavioral health, empower community residents, and reduce trauma in San Antonio and Laredo, Texas.
Prior to joining WestCare, she served at the Senior Executive Service level of the federal government as the Director of a Federal Agency, Director at the San Antonio Housing Authority, Executive Director of San Antonio Fighting Back, Inc. non-profit corporation, Senior Vice President of the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, Business owner, and an elected official for 11 years. As a Federal Government Executive, she developed the Strategic Prevention Framework which now serves as the framework for prevention programs at SAMHSA and implemented both the Drug-free Communities Program and STOP Act Underage drinking programs. She led efforts to establish the first Tribal Consultation Policy at SAMHSA, helped developed the Demand Reduction program for the National Guard, established the Prevention Fellows program, lead the national effort to provide Rapid HIV-testing to substance abuse and mental health treatment programs, and served as the Co-Chair of the White House Disparities Subcommittee to develop the current National HIV/AIDS Strategy. She served on the Texas Task Force for State and Local Drug Control that spearheaded efforts to fund the first 12,000 behavioral health treatment beds in Texas prisons. She also helped to pass the Drug-free Communities Act and STOP Underage Drinking Act legislation which have funded over 7000 communities to prevent substance abuse among youth and the related community harm.
Ms. Watts Davis has received numerous local, state, and national recognitions. She has been presented with the prestigious Martin Luther King Living The Dream Award by the Baptist Ministers Union and was selected as a Distinguished Alumni by her alma mater, Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. She also received three Secretariat Awards for Distinguished Service from the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Prior to federal service, she was selected by the Attorney General of the United States as the first Texan to receive the Volunteer of the Year Award and awarded the Gould-Wysinger Award (highest award given for juvenile justice prevention). She was awarded with the National Faith-Based and Community Leadership Award by SAMHSA, the PRIDE National Youth Leadership Award, and the National Prevention Network Achievement Award. She has been inducted into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame and was honored by the San Antonio Bar Foundation with the prestigious PEACEMAKER Award. She has received the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director’s Award for Community Leadership, the Department of Defense (DOD) Commander’s Award for Outstanding Leadership, the National Crime Prevention Council’s “Outstanding Citizen Advocate Award”, and the Austin, Texas Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Minority Business Entrepreneur of the Year.
Ms. Watts Davis has served in many leadership capacities to include current service as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Ella Austin Community Center. She served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, National Prevention Partnership, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), the National Crime Prevention Council, the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, the National Family Partnership, the National Center for Alcohol and Drug Abuse in Higher Education, the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Texas, Business-Investment-Growth (BIG) Austin, and the Texas Mental Health Association.
Ms. Watts Davis has a Bachelor Degree from Trinity University with a triple major in Political Science, Social Sciences, and Economics and a Master Degree from Webster University in Human Resources Management.
Stephen Wright
Chief Operating Officer - Eastern Region
Stephen Wright
Stephen Wright is the Chief Operating Officer of WestCare’s Eastern Region. In this role, Mr. Wright is responsible for overseeing operations across eight states. Mr. Wright’s leadership style, developed over fifteen years of experience, focuses on developing and delivering evidence-based services and solutions, providing outstanding client service, and driving profitable revenue growth.
Prior to assuming the Chief Operating Officer position, Mr. Wright served as WestCare’s Senior Vice President for the Appalachian operations. While in this role, he transformed operations by improving and expanding service delivery coupled with diversification of funding streams to achieve long-term sustainability.
In addition to his tenure as the Senior Vice President of Appalachian operations, Mr. Wright served for over six years as WestCare’s Regional Vice President of Kentucky operations. During this time, he was able to grow operations and expand revenue by four million annually. Under his leadership, every Appalachian program became CARF accredited. Additionally, WestCare evolved into an industry leader among correctional substance-use treatment providers.
Mr. Wright received both his bachelor’s degree and Master of Educational Administration from Morehead State University.