As Chief Executive Officer of IBH Addiction Recovery, Jess Rist develops the vision and strategy for the agency, overseeing its continued success serving individuals with high-quality, responsive, and person-centered care. Since joining IBH Addiction Recovery in 2021, she has progressed through several leadership roles of increasing responsibility before being appointed CEO.
Jess has extensive professional and personal experience in nonprofit leadership and fundraising. She has devoted her career to championing causes that serve her community, including IBH Addiction Recovery, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Alzheimer’s Association, OPEN M, and others.
Jess holds a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University and a master’s degree from Ohio University. She is also a graduate of Leadership Akron’s Signature Program and Love Akron’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) program. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Jess is deeply committed to community service. She currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem for children who have experienced abuse or neglect, and remains actively involved with Love Akron’s JEDI program. Jess has been recognized as a 2025 Greater Akron Chamber 30 for the Future honoree.