Founder & CEO

Zac is a multi-dimensional business executive with over a decade of professional experience in the Behavioral Health field. As Founder and CEO of Release Recovery and the founding board member for Release Recovery Foundation, he is dedicated to providing comprehensive, innovative, and individualized care to all those in need. Having started in direct client care and quickly evolving into senior leadership positions, Zac has a strong understanding of the many facets of the recovery industry, including the nonprofit sector. His entrepreneurial endeavors, partnered with his commitment to high quality care, continue to expand Release’s growth and impact.

Chief Operating Officer
Matthew is a strategic leader in public health and social impact, specializing in men’s health and stigma reduction. As the founder of MANUAL, focused on raising capital and serving tens of thousands of men before being acquired by Release in 2024. Previously, as Vice President at Shatterproof, Matthew led evidence-based stigma reduction campaigns that reached over 5 million individuals. He has also held key roles at Planned Parenthood  and McKinsey & Company, focusing on innovative strategies and policy development. A Cornell University graduate with dual degrees in Economics and Government, Matthew is excited to leverage his experiences to drive meaningful change at Release Recovery.

Chief Medical Officer

Dr. McCormick is a trained surgeon whose passion for helping those with substance use disorders prompted him to switch careers to addiction medicine, where he now has nearly a decade of experience in Medication-Assisted Treatment, detox, and medication management. During his 8-year tenure at Caron Treatment Center in Wernersville, PA, he served as Medical Director for Signature Programs, led Caron’s Healthcare Professionals Assessment Program, and served as the physician in charge of the Opioid Treatment Program. When working with patients, Dr. McCormick leads with love, tolerance, empathy, and an absence of judgment – guided by his personal experience and drive to help others through what he went through himself.

Executive Director of Clinical Services

Laura is a NARM® Practitioner specializing in treating complex trauma, substance use, personality and mood disorders. After receiving her Master’s in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University, she discovered her passion for supporting the family unit through the recovery process. By utilizing compassion, intentionality and integrity, Laura brings her clinical expertise and personal experience as a woman in recovery to Release.

Chief Technology Officer

Karl Morand is a seasoned engineering leader with over a decade of experience driving product innovation and building high-performing teams. He has successfully grown engineering departments from the ground up—recruiting and nurturing groups of 40+ engineers, designers, and product managers—to deliver products that have reached thousands of users. Karl’s technical expertise spans a wide range of solutions, from e-commerce websites and complex frontend applications to mobile apps and backend APIs, for both consumer-facing and B2B organizations.

Marketing Manager

Grace is a former client of the women’s program. Now she manages the social media for release recovery and the foundation. Grace got her undergrad and graduate degree at Southern Methodist University. She uses her past experience in advertising and performing arts to create visually intriguing strategies to increase brand awareness. She manages the content from ideation to the post date and beyond. Grace is passionate about destigmatizing addiction among young women and showcasing that sobriety is NOT boring.

Recovery Associate

Dorian is a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee (CASAC-T) who leverages her background in special populations, re-entry services, and substance use to support clients through the recovery process. Dorian is proud to act as an advocate for equitable access to proper services for women impacted by mental illness and substance use disorder. She’s currently studying Criminal Justice and Behavioral Science.

Case Manager

Georgia grew up on Long Island, and received both her BA and MA from George Washington University, in Washington, DC. After completing her studies, Georgia spent seven years living and working in the Middle East and East Africa for media companies such as PopSugar Middle East and Vogue Arabia. She returned to New York in 2019 to get sober and has since been an active and enthusiastic member of the local 12-step community. She brings her own experience in recovery to the work that she does supporting Release clients.

Recovery Associate

As a former client at Release Recovery, Nathan knows first-hand the life-changing work that the organization does – and it inspired him to pursue this work as a career. Now, as a recovery associate, that’s exactly what he does, helping clients find success in recovery the same way he did – all the while, going to school for addiction recovery counseling. Nathan is determined to help those in need and be a powerful example for those who are struggling.

Case Manager

Sam began his career as a care coordinator at an inpatient residential treatment center for adolescents, where he saw first-hand the importance of family and support systems in recovery. Now a case manager at Release, Sam works closely with clients and their families throughout their recovery journey and enjoys supporting clients as they transition from inpatient settings to becoming self-sufficient in their new lives in recovery.

Recovery Associate

Rodney specializes in overnight care at Release’s transitional living houses where he observes residents, administers daily medications, and makes sure all residents have performed chores before heading to bed. Above all, Rodney ensures that Release Recovery residents are safe and secure at all times.

Director of Residential Services

Stephen has worked in the addiction and recovery field since 2017 and has been in personal recovery since 2015. As program coordinator, Stephen draws on his professional and personal experience to create a roadmap for sustained and fulfilling recovery for all of Release’s clients. Highly skilled in problem solving for clients and their families, Stephen is an expert at working with young people in recovery, navigating college in sobriety, and helping all clients acclimate into Release Recovery’s community.

Executive Chef

As Release’s executive chef, Nichole draws on her experience working in some of New York City’s busiest, most vibrant restaurants to ensure that every Release client has access to nourishing, delicious food. Nichole moved from Baltimore to New York City to begin her career as a health supportive chef who specializes in catering to food allergies with plant-based cooking

Special Services

Mario works in special services at Release, which means he goes to great lengths to answer the call when someone is in need – whether for transportation, sober companionship, or coaching. Mario loves working one-on-one with clients and maintaining long-term relationships with those he supports in recovery. He takes particular joy in receiving FaceTime’s from clients on their one-year anniversaries.

Business Operations

Hannah focuses on the operations and strategic finance side of Release Recovery. Hannah found Release back in 2021 and is passionate about Release’s approach to recovery through community. Hannah has experience managing the scholarship program on behalf of Release Foundation, in addition to her experience working as an administrator for an inpatient treatment center and as a research coordinator for perioperative pain clinic in Baltimore, Maryland. Hannah graduated Loyola University Maryland with a BA in Psychology and Communication. Hannah is committed to serving others and building community

Recovery Associate

Prior to working at Release, Emma comes to us with experience working with children involving art, mindfulness practices, and personally offering service to those in recovery. Emma herself in in long term recovery and began her journey in this field with the desire to help others achieve their potential. Emma is from New Jersey and is working towards getting her CASAC.

Case Manager

Michael supports Release clients in every aspect of recovery, from sober transport and coaching to one-on-one time helping clients maintain sobriety. He is particularly skilled in coaching young adults in early recovery and has prior experience managing the alumni program at a residential treatment center for adolescents. Michael is working toward his professional certification for substance abuse counseling.

Director of Revenue Management

Neal has worked in the behavioral healthcare field since 2012. He has held a range of positions, including as a non-profit behavioral health technician, a client services coordinator, program director, admissions specialist, and admissions supervisor – where he gained deep experience in billing, collections, and revenue retention. Neal brings a passion for supporting the financial goals of Release and believes that a sound financial footing underpins the crucial work of the organization – helping as many clients as possible to receive the quality care they need.

Recovery Associate

Once a client of Release Recovery himself, Maxwell works to provide today’s Release clients with the same exceptional experience he had. Since he started in 2019, Maxwell has focused on helping every client understand that by showing up with a positive attitude, believing in yourself, and taking action each day, they too can experience a life of opportunity and joy.

Operations Manager

From look and feel to cleanliness and security, John ensures that all of our properties live up to the impeccable standards that our clients deserve and have come to expect from Release Recovery. John is particularly focused on making certain that each property runs efficiently, so clients and staff are able to focus on the most important task at hand: recovery.

Case Manager

A certified addiction recovery coach and recovery peer advocate, Eddie helps bridge the gap for clients between transitional living and their aftercare needs – so that their recovery is well-rounded and that they are set up for success. Eddie’s passion for helping others struggling with addiction stems from his personal battle with substance use. Having begun his journey to recovery in 2008, Eddie – a graduate of the University of Scranton – is keenly aware of the ups and downs of maintaining recovery over the long-term; and he is dedicated to helping Release’s clients see their journey through

Family Services/Admissions

Chris began working in behavioral health in 2013, starting at a residential treatment center. This field quickly became Chris’s calling, leading him to gain extensive experience in various roles such as case management, admissions, and director of professional development. Chris’s diverse skillset encompasses crisis intervention, family coaching, and situational analysis as a consultant. Drawing upon compassion and empathy, Chris establishes meaningful connections with clients and families, providing them with the necessary space to initiate the healing process.

House Caregiver

Everyone’s favorite team member and house mom, Lola is a wealth of love and support for Release’s clients and staff. In her role of house caregiver, she cooks meals and ensures the Release Westchester Men’s House is kept in excellent condition. But it’s her huge heart that has the greatest impact. Lola previously worked for 20 years at New York Hospital, where she served as a caregiver for the elderly and focused on mental health.

Director of Admissions and Outreach

Blake was drawn to Release Recovery for its client-first philosophy. An alumni of the program and an employee since 2018, he knows that seeking treatment, especially in the early days, can be filled with tremendous fear and stress. As admissions director, he takes seriously his responsibility to provide hope, calm, and most importantly, guidance to clients and their families.

Admissions Coordinator

Jordan worked at Release’s Womens House as a client support specialist and recovery coach before transitioning to the admissions team as the community engagement coordinator. She specializes in program development, special projects, behavioral interventions, community outreach, and sibling support. Sobriety is an important part of Jordan’s life, as many of her relatives are in recovery. Before Release, Jordan worked in non-profit development and behavioral health. She earned a Dual Master’s degree in Social Work and Public Health at NYU and received Bachelor’s degree in Biobehavioral Health and Disability Studies from Penn State.

Human Resources

Margaret began at Release Recovery as a client support specialist in the Women’s House. A former D-1 runner, she found out about Release through a running podcast and has assisted the Release Foundation with its successful New York City marathon fundraisers, as well as with bookkeeping for scholarships. Today, she wears several hats, but mostly assists Founder & CEO Zac Clark and Release with administrative projects. Margaret is a graduate of Stony Brook University with a background in sociology and a focus on substance use and prevention.

Recovery Associate

Steve believes that a successful recovery is our bridge back into life. As a member of a 12-step program for the last 36 years, he knows sobriety can give you a life beyond your wildest dreams. And as a recovery associate he works to guide Release clients to focus on their spiritual, mental, and physical well-being to maximize their journey in recovery. Prior to his work at Release, Steve worked in the nutritional/supplement industry for over 25 years, and he believes addiction is a multifaceted disease that requires a holistic approach. Every day, Steve works to equip our clients with the tools they need to move from the problem into the solution and ultimately to realize how remarkable a life in recovery can be.

Community Manager | NYC Mens

As a lead Community Manager, Soo guides Release’s clients to a healthier lifestyle through exercise, community, and self-discovery. An alumni of the program himself, Soo remembers well the way Release’s dedicated staff helped him reconnect with family and friends and rekindle his healthy passions – which is exactly what he strives to do today for his clients.

Community Manager | Westchester Mens

Craig resides at one of Release’s Westchester Properties for five to six days each week in order to maintain the property and uphold a positive and constructive living environment for Release’s clients. Additionally, Craig manages staff scheduling for the Westchester properties, coordinates and participates in client transport, and works with kitchen staff on weekly and special occasion food ordering.

Women's Program Director

Emma – who is in long-term recovery herself – first became interested in a career in the mental health and recovery field after dedicating her own time and service to those struggling with co-occurring disorders and finding success helping to transform the lives of several young women and adolescents. She worked for many years at a long-term treatment facility, and now as a case manager at Release, she is experienced with a range of levels of acuity and chronicity. Emma is a passionate and driven leader who strives to practice what she preaches and to show every client the care and attention they deserve as she offers guidance and the tools needed in order to achieve successful recovery, life skills, and executive functioning skills.

Recovery Associate 

Kirk has more than 20 years of experience in technical and administrative management roles and five years in the addiction recovery field. He brings to Release a wealth of communication and social connection skills, which he uses in supporting his clients.

Recovery Associate 

After entering recovery at the age of 65 in 2019, Leonard became a certified addiction recovery coach and certified recovery peer advocate. He began at Release in May of 2021, where he loves working with clients at Release’s 6th Avenue residence. Leonard focuses specifically on clients finishing school and pursuing careers in New York City, as he knows first-hand how hard that can be. He earned a Master of Architecture degree from Yale University and practiced as a private residential architect for more than 40 years.

Recovery Associate

Dacia brings more than 20 years of experience in the recovery field to Release where she serves as a support staff specialist, recovery coach and is a Certified Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee. With her observant, responsive, and insightful demeanor, Dacia is dedicated to the needs of Release clients. Prior to her work at Release, Dacia worked at Hazelton Betty Ford doing intakes and serving as support staff.