People Advocating Recovery Announces Retirement of CEO Mike Barry, New Leadership for the Organization

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — People Advocating Recovery (PAR), a Kentucky nonprofit committed to mobilizing, organizing, training and rallying people in recovery and their allies, announced today the retirement of its longtime CEO, Mike Barry. Mike will retire at the end of June, following 15 successful and meaningful years leading and growing the organization. He will continue to serve as chairman of the board for PAR and support the group’s ongoing efforts and initiatives.

 

Under Mike’s leadership, PAR grew from a group of five hardworking individuals to a member organization with six local chapters and more than 5,000 supporters across Kentucky. He also spearheaded the creation of PAR’s Advocacy Training Center to help spread the message of recovery through public policy and legislation.

 

“It has been a privilege to experience and be a part of PAR’s growth and success over the last 15 years, and I am confident in the future of the organization under its new leadership,” said Barry. “Even in retirement, I will continue to serve as a strong, vocal advocate for individuals impacted by addiction and those in recovery.”

 

During his time with PAR, Mike testified before the Kentucky state legislature and was instrumental in passing new laws regarding treatment for individuals with substance use disorder and highlighting the addiction crisis as a leading health care issue in the state.

 

Prior to his career in recovery advocacy, Mike worked in the news industry as an anchor and producer in Lexington, Kentucky, Nashville, Tennessee and Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He has also held roles with Faces & Voices of Recovery, The Healing Place, Addiction Recovery Advocates of Kentuckiana, Faith Partners for Recovery and Beacon House.

 

Following Mike’s retirement, People Advocating Recovery will welcome Tara Moseley Hyde as its new CEO.

 

Tara, a graduate of the American University School of Public Health, has been in recovery since 2011. In 2014, she established a Young People in Recovery (YPR) chapter in Louisville. Since then, she has become the organization’s vice president of programs, working to develop YPR chapters and programs across the U.S.

 

Tara has worked with universities nationwide to develop recovery support services for young adults on college campuses and has helped craft policies and procedures to encourage people in recovery to safely return to work following treatment. She has also worked with SAMHSA, the Department of Corrections and other state agencies to provide peer support services to youth, young adults and justice-involved individuals.

 

“Mike has been a tremendous mentor over the years, and I am honored to continue carrying out PAR’s mission of lifting up individuals in recovery and reducing stigma around addiction as its next CEO,” said Moseley Hyde. “With so many people still struggling with substance use disorders, PAR’s work has never been more important. I’m excited to build upon the group’s successes and bring our message of hope and recovery to even more people and communities while advocating for meaningful changes that will reduce barriers to recovery.”

 

“Tara is an outstanding champion and advocate for individuals in recovery, not just in Kentucky but across the country,” added Barry. “She will be a great leader for PAR moving forward.”

 

“Mike Barry created the foundation of People Advocating Recovery and is responsible for the organization’s growth and success. Thanks to his leadership, thousands of individuals have found their recovery pathway and many more have been able to join us in the fight against addiction,” said Donna Hillman, PAR board advisor, person in long-term recovery and retired federal and Kentucky state employee. “We welcome Tara Moseley Hyde in her new role as CEO of PAR. Tara brings her history of amazing leadership at Young People in Recovery, and we are excited to have her continue PAR’s important work in Kentucky.”

 

As CEO of People Advocating Recovery, Tara will manage the day-to-day operations of the organization and continue focusing on expanding PAR’s reach across Kentucky.