Akron, OH – April 28, 2025 – IBH Addiction Recovery, a leading provider of comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment services in Northeast Ohio, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jess Rist as its next Chief Executive Officer.
This leadership transition comes as the organization celebrates its 55th anniversary and launches a bold new five-year strategic plan.
Rist is an accomplished professional and advocate for recovery services and has raised millions of dollars for various organizations across Northeast Ohio. Since joining IBH Addiction Recovery to spearhead fundraising efforts in 2021, she has been instrumental to the organization's growth and has since held positions of increasing responsibility, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer (COO). As COO she oversees operations, human resources, quality and compliance, and fundraising for the organization. Prior to joining IBH Addiction Recovery, Rist served as Development Manager at OPEN M. Rist holds a bachelor’s degree in Sports Administration from Kent State University and a master’s in Public Administration from Ohio University. In addition to her role at IBH Addiction Recovery, she serves as Board President of Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary and as a Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) for children involved in abuse or neglect cases. Rist is also a graduate of Leadership Akron’s Signature Program, the Center for Immersive Leadership’s Purposeful Leadership Program, as well as Love Akron’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Program.
“Addiction impacts our entire community, but recovery is possible. By standing together, we can dismantle the stigma of addiction and build a healthier community,” Rist said. “As I step into this role, I am committed to responding to the urgent and evolving needs in our community. I am honored to build on IBH’s legacy while shaping a future that ensures sustainability and community impact.”
Rist will succeed Executive Director Jonathan Wylly, who will retire in August 2025 after years of distinguished service to IBH Addiction Recovery. Under Wylly’s leadership, the organization strengthened and increased the programs offered in its continuum of care, deepened its community partnerships, and solidified its role as a regional leader in recovery services.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jess Rist as the next CEO of IBH,” said Tom Pitts, IBH Addiction Recovery’s Board Chair. “Jess is a dynamic leader, with deep knowledge of IBH’s supporters and operations. She has a proven record of success in her current role and is ideally positioned to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and expanded impact. We extend our sincere gratitude to Jonathan Wylly for his years of dedicated service and the lasting contributions he has made to our community.”
Rist will assume the CEO role on July 1, 2025, and work alongside a dedicated staff and committed Board of Trustees to guide the next chapter of IBH Addiction Recovery’s evolution, expanding its impact while honoring its rich legacy.
Founded in 1970 and based in Akron, Ohio, IBH Addiction Recovery has provided life-changing treatment to tens of thousands of individuals struggling with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Its continuum of care for both men and women includes residential treatment, day treatment, outpatient programs, an alumni aftercare program, and recovery housing, which are all complemented by spiritual guidance.
In 2024, IBH Addiction Recovery was recognized by Newsweek as the #2 Best Addiction Treatment Center in Ohio, reinforcing its reputation for excellence in evidence-based, compassionate care.
The Board of Trustees partnered with Benefactor Group and an ad hoc search committee to conduct a national search, ultimately selecting Rist for the depth of her understanding of addiction recovery and her relationships with community leaders who can help advance the organization’s critical mission.