IC&RC Professionals of the Year Awards

IC&RC presents annual awards to professionals who hold the credentials we offer to recognize and honor their achievements they have made in their careers. These professionals have gone above and beyond in their field, making impacts that improve the standard of care and make overall improvements to their professions.

ICADC Professional of the Year | Dr. Nicole Wright | Hawai‘i 

Dr. Wright has devoted her career to breaking the negative social stigma of addiction and finding solutions to increasing access to care in medically underserved communities in the state of Hawai‘i. Her professional interests include health psychology, working with diverse populations, chronic pain management, trauma, and women’s health. In her career, she actively serves communities throughout Hawai‘i through leadership roles in health organizations and education. In addition, Dr. Wright is a National Health Service Corps Ambassador to further increase access to primary care in areas with limited access. Her nomination for the 2025 IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor Professional of the Year award recognizes her work in strengthening and growing access to healthcare in Hawai‘i and throughout the nation. 

ICAADC Professional of the Year | Ken Heuvelman | Michigan 

Ken has dedicated his career to improving substance use disorder services. He has been actively involved in his community through expanding substance use disorder services in the state of Michigan including pioneering new programs such as the Quick Response Team, working with law enforcement to provide care after an overdose, and playing an important role in launching the second SUD Family Support Program in the state. He has also advocated for expanding naloxone access and ran for a state office position in 2024. In addition, Ken has mentored new clinicians and has supported the development and improvement of continuing education and training new and established providers. His nomination for the 2025 IC&RC Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor Professional of the Year award recognizes his ongoing community engagement and advocacy for the substance use disorder profession. 

ICCJP Professional of the Year | Keith Liles | Texas 

We congratulate Keith on his nomination for the 2025 IC&RC Criminal Justice Addictions Professional of the Year award. His nomination recognizes his dedication and achievements made in the profession. 

ICCS Professional of the Year | Mary Elizabeth Pacheco | Hawai‘i 

We congratulate Mary Elizabeth on her nomination of the 2025 IC&RC Clinical Supervisor Professional for the Year award. Her nomination recognizes her dedication and achievements made in the profession.

ICPR Professional of the Year | Jack “Trey” Weir III | Texas 

Trey is a college student whose academic journey was shaped by his struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. His addiction created significant challenges in both his education and personal life, leading to multiple interventions that were initially unsuccessful. After serving a prison sentence, Trey returned to school and earned an associate degree from a local community college. Currently, Trey is pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington, with a concentration in substance use treatment, and is expected to graduate in 2026. He is deeply committed to his recovery and passionate about helping others achieve the same through his work as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist. Looking ahead, Trey plans to continue his education by earning a Ph.D. and become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. His nomination for the 2025 IC&RC Peer Recovery Professional of the Year Award is a testament to his resilience, dedication, and ongoing efforts to expand access to recovery resources and support within his community.

ICPS Professional of the Year | Jessica Andrews-Wilson | Georgia 

Jessica has dedicated more than 30 years to advancing substance use prevention, mental health promotion, and youth development as powerful strategies for building healthier communities. Her journey began as a high school student when she attended GUIDE’s youth program, the Georgia Teen Institute. She has since served in nearly every role at GUIDE, becoming Executive Director in 2014. As a nationally recognized trainer and Internationally Certified Prevention Specialist, Jessica has built strong partnerships, led impactful training programs, and championed efforts that empower youth, families, and communities. While her influence reaches nationwide, her roots remain in Gwinnett County, where she continues to advocate and lead efforts for a stronger and healthier community. Her deep commitment to supporting prevention and youth well-being has earned her recognition, including the Ray Avant Excellence in Prevention Award. Her nomination for the 2025 IC&RC Prevention Specialist Professional of the Year award further recognizes her efforts in the profession. 

IC&RC also recognizes individuals who make lasting contributions that advance the organization’s growth and excellence. See the recipients of the following awards below:

IC&RC Board of Directors Excellence Award | Van Burnham

IC&RC Lifetime Contributions Award | Mary Jo Mather 

IC&RC Lifetime Contributions Award | Terri Wray 

Prior Year Winners

See the links below for award winners from previous years

2024 IC&RC Professionals of the Year Award Winners

Submit Your Nominations

We will begin accepting nominations for the 2026 awards soon! Check back here for updates.