Changes continue to happen around Social Model Recovery Systems. Many of you are already aware that Chris Abernathy was welcomed to the Executive Leadership Team as our new Chief Operating Officer on April 1, 2024.
Chris started his career with SMRS in 2009 as a counselor at our River Community Wellness Center. Initially hired as a Peer Counselor, Chris believed he had found a home, and through the encouragement of his first supervisor, returned to college. Chris’ previous management experience, together with his educational efforts and dedication, led to his promotion taking the additional role as Housing Coordinator in 2011 and the Program Director position for River Community Covina in 2014.
Two years later, Chris moved into the position of Regional Director of Outpatient Services with oversight of four outpatient sites. His ability to assist Directors in managing the performance of the locations provided strong insight into Chris’ ability to manage multiple high-level priorities with success. He was once again promoted to the position of Senior Director of Treatment Services in 2017 and became part of the Round Table of SMRS.
Chris currently holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and a Master of Science in Psychology. Chris started to pursue a Doctoral Program; however, he has chosen to put this on hold at this time due to other outside activities. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at Mount San Antonio providing education and leadership to students enrolled in the Alcohol and Other Drug Certification program.
Chris’ recent promotion to the Executive Management Team at Social Model Recovery Systems will allow him to utilize his years of life experience and his education to help the ever-growing SMRS maintain their prominent level of expertise in the behavioral health field.
We also want to thank Tim Stevens. When Tim started the journey with Chris and added him to his succession plan, we knew it would be difficult. Tim first began his career at SMRS 35 years ago and has spent years developing and implementing systems to help with SMRS’ success. The training he has provided Chris in his new role as Chief Operating Officer allows for the organization to continue to grow.
We are proud to retain Tim as our Chief Financial Officer, allowing for his ongoing guidance for the future.
