Board of Directors

Florida Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative

Board of Directors Overview & Organizational Summary

About the Florida Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative

The Florida Recovery Friendly Workplace (FLRFW) initiative is a statewide movement dedicated to empowering employers to create supportive, wellness-focused environments for individuals in or seeking recovery from substance use and mental health challenges. We believe that recovery is not only possible but sustainable when people have access to meaningful employment and workplace cultures that foster inclusion, compassion, and personal growth.

Launched in response to the growing behavioral health and workforce challenges across Florida, FLRFW aims to remove stigma, educate employers, and support business leaders in implementing recovery-supportive practices. Through policy development, peer integration, training, and certification, we help workplaces become champions for employee wellbeing and economic resiliency.

Our History and Structure

The Florida Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative was established to bridge the gap between recovery, employment, and community wellness. Recognizing that economic stability is a critical pillar of recovery, the initiative was modeled after successful programs across the country and tailored to Florida’s unique workforce and recovery landscape.

To operationalize and administer the initiative, FLRFW partnered with Net Training Institute, a nationally recognized educational organization specializing in behavioral health training, certification, and workforce development. Net Training Institute serves as the administrative agency, providing infrastructure, fiscal oversight, staffing, and technical assistance to the FLRFW program.

Why We Exist

FLRFW exists to support both employers and employees—those directly in recovery and those who care for loved ones navigating mental health or substance use disorders. Our vision is a Florida where businesses of all sizes become part of the recovery solution by fostering workplace cultures of dignity, purpose, and possibility.

We:

  • Offer certification for Recovery Friendly Workplaces;
  • Provide training and technical assistance to organizations;
  • Engage in advocacy and policy support at the local and state level;
  • Promote economic development by supporting a resilient, inclusive workforce.

Board of Directors Role & Expectations

The FLRFW Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding the strategic direction and sustainability of the initiative. Board members serve as ambassadors, advisors, and advocates for recovery-friendly practices across the state.
Duties of a Board Member include:

  • Attending monthly board meetings
  • Providing insight, guidance, and leadership on initiative direction;
  • Supporting fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and community outreach efforts;
  • Serving on committees or task forces as needed;
  • Reviewing and approving key policies, budgets, and programmatic decisions.

Attendance Policy:
Board members may not have more than three consecutive unexcused absences from scheduled board meetings. Failure to comply may result in removal from the board.
We understand that life circumstances may arise—leave of absences may be requested and granted upon board approval.

We are looking for individuals across all regions of Florida who are passionate about supporting recovery, workforce development, and mental health inclusion. Whether you bring personal experience, professional insight, or a commitment to wellness and equity, we invite you to consider joining us in this transformative work.

For questions, please contact:

📧 candace@flrfw.org

Board of Directors

Officers:

  • Rick Riccardi
  • Cheryl Brown Merriwether
  • Mark Bonta
Read Bios

Members:

  • Abigail Bell
  • TJ Ward
  • Jessica Best
  • Jo Dmitrovic
  • Setphany Eddowes
  • Barbara-Ann Heegan
  • Kevin Hyer
  • Kim LaMontagne
  • Isabelle Wettegren