MADISON COUNTY – Partnership for a Drug-Free Community has a new Executive Director.

After several years in the position, Wendy Reeves is stepping down from the position. Cheryl Russell has accepted the job with the organization.

“The Partnership Board, staff and I are very excited about having Cheryl come on board,” Reeves said. “I am now a volunteer and will always be connected to Partnership. I will be helping out during our transition.”

A native of Maine, Russell moved to Alabama in 2017. She has an extensive background in family business and served as Executive Director of the Center for Family Business at Husson University in Bangor, Maine. At Husson, she also served on the President’s Council as Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

In addition, Russell served as Vice President of Advancement and Major Gifts at United Way of Eastern Maine and worked for Maine’s former U.S. senator, Olympia J. Snow. Russell has a master’s degree in education with a concentration in supervision and administration from Antioch University. She is a licensed minister.

Reeves thanked individuals who have supported Partnership programs and events over the years. She is now working for Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments or TARCOG.

With the holiday season (even Halloween) approaching, Partnership’s staff encourages anyone new to sobriety or still in active addiction to avoid situations that can cause extra stress:

* Connect with sober contacts. Reaching out for help is an act of service to you and those people that you contact.

* Create a plan ahead of time if you expect to be around family, friends or coworkers who may encourage you to drink or misuse drugs. Plan an exit strategy.

* Recognize and limit ‘triggers.’ Take care of your basic needs like food, sleep and your mood.

* Set boundaries. Rehearse how you will decline alcoholic beverages or substances.

* Saying, “No, thank you,” is acceptable for invitations, customs or practices that are unhealthy for you.

Partnership for a Drug-Free Community and its One-Stop Shop of Community Services is located at 2201 Clinton Ave. W. in Huntsville. For more information, call 256-539-7339 or visit thedrugfreepartnership.org.

To contact Russell, call 256-746-3759 or email cheryl@thedrugfreepartnership.org.