2024 IC&RC Professionals of the Year Award Winners
Each year, we recognize professionals that have gone above and beyond in their field for each of the credentials we offer. We would like to recognize the achievements of each award winner below.
ICADC Professional of the Year | Kathy Allen – North Carolina
After receiving her degree, Kathy knew she was called to the counseling field, particularly in drug education and early intervention. She has been a mentor for interns working toward their credentials and assisting them throughout the licensing process. Kathy is also invested in her community. She is known to host events to engage the community for the education of substances and addiction disorders. While helping others, Kathy continues to advance her education and credentials. Her nomination for the 2024 IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor Professional of the Year recognizes her dedication to her community, the counseling field, and the continued growth in her career.
ICAADC Professional of the Year | Dr. Jonathan Cugini – Michigan
Dr. Cugini is passionate about advocating and establishing support services for veterans. Through his work, he has developed mental health programs for veterans in his state of Michigan and nationally. He has also successfully secured legislative funding for these programs. In addition, he is a mentor and supervisor at the VA and in the Army Reserve for new professionals entering the field. This year, he earned the AADC Credential Holder of the Year Award through the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction professionals and the IC&RC AADC Professional of the Year. His nomination for these awards recognizes and honors his service to our veterans and active-duty soldiers.
ICCS Professional of the Year | Dr. Matthew Mitchell – Michigan
Dr. Mitchell has made significant contributions to his field. Prioritizing education, he continues to advance his education while developing education materials and assisting new clinicians obtain their credentials. His guidance and contributions to education have enhanced the quality of care provided by professionals in the field. In addition to his nomination for the IC&RC CS Professional of the Year, he also received the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals AADC award for his educational contributions. His nomination for the IC&RC CS Professional of the Year recognizes his contributions he has made and for the contributions that are to come.
ICPS Professional of the Year | Scott Gagnon – Maine Prevention
Scott has been a leader not only in his home state of Maine, but also on a regional scale. He currently serves as a Regional Director for SAMHSA and has previously served as the Associate Executive Director of AdCare Educational Institute of Maine, Inc. While being in leadership, he also has a focus on developing young leaders and cannabis policy and prevention. He has received several awards for the work that he has completed in the field. His nomination for the 2024 IC&RC PS Professional of the Year award recognizes the work that he has done and the impact it will make to future professionals in the field.
ICPR Professional of the Year | John Cunningham | Indiana
John has exceeded the standard of care and inspired other professionals in the recovery community. Through his work, he has remained dedicated to serving his community and has been actively participating in the growth and innovation of the field. His nomination for the 2024 IC&RC Peer Recovery Professional of the Year serves as recognition for the impacts he has made within the recovery community and for the future innovation that is to come
ICCJP Professional of the Year | Dr. Kendra Davis – North Carolina
Dr. Kendra Davis has been dedicated to serving her community through numerous organizations in her professional career. Additionally, as a professional, she has also been dedicated to enhancing education and training within the field holding several credentials. She established a consulting firm and developed a study program for addiction professionals preparing to take certification exams. Dr. Davis also has an interest in Theology as she holds a Doctor of Ministry in Biblical studies. Her nomination for the 2024 IC&RC Certified Criminal Justice Addiction Professional of the Year recognizes her inspiring work within the addiction recovery field.
IC&RC Board of Directors Excellence Award | Pete Nielsen – California (CCAPP)
Pete has been an exceptional leader, serving as the Chief Executive Officer for the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) and has been a leader on the national level for the Behavioral Health Association of Providers (BHAP). His leadership has influenced the development of addiction recovery programs across the country. He has also served on the IC&RC Executive Committee. We would like to congratulate Pete and recognize him for his leadership with the 2024 IC&RC Board of Directors Excellence Award.