Simpsonville Man to Lead New Substance Abuse Recovery Center

Faces and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR) Greenville, a new substance abuse recovery center, has named Gene P. Conroy of Simpsonville to become its first executive director.

FAVOR Greenville, which will open this spring in Highland Business Park on Woodruff Road, is a volunteer based-organization dedicated to providing assistance to individuals seeking recovery and to removing the stigma from substance use disorders. Its mission is to promote long-term recovery from substance use disorders through education, advocacy and recovery support services, resulting in healthier individuals, families and communities, according to a release.

Conroy brings more than 25 years of nonprofit management experience to the position, having previously worked in executive and facilities management, fundraising, grant writing and advocacy on state and local levels. He also has a personal connection to FAVOR’s mission — he has been in long-term recovery for 25 years.

As FAVOR’s first executive director, Conroy’s responsibilities will include budgeting, public relations and marketing, grant writing and policy development and implementation. He graduated from Stony Brook University with a BA in history in 1980 and from the University of Buffalo with a Master’s degree in history in 1985.  

In 2010, FAVOR Greenville launched a capital campaign to open its center and has almost reached its goal of $ 1.5 million. As his first order of business in the role of executive director, Conroy will unveil the new FAVOR Greenville Center, which will feature a large training room, a resource library, a volunteer work room and consultation rooms for meeting with recovery coaches. 

In addition to forwarding an advocacy agenda and providing public education programs, trained volunteers at the center will offer personal recovery planning, referral to treatment and other community resources, family education and telephone recovery support. For more information, visit www.FAVORGreenville.org.