Treasurer – Rhode Island
Michael Rizzi has been a professional in the substance abuse service field since 1969. He has considerable experience in therapeutic community, residential, outpatient, drug-free, and opioid treatment systems. His background also includes community and public relations; administration, budget development, and grant-writing as well as prevention, education and parenting programs.
Mr. Rizzi, a 1969 graduate of Providence College, began his career in substance abuse services at the NJ Regional Drug Abuse Agency (LibertyVillage) in 1969. He was the Director of Outreach Services in North Hudson County before relocating to Rhode Island to assume the Directorship of the Wing of Hope, a prison-based therapeutic community in Rhode Island’s Department of Corrections. In 1973, he joined CODAC and since that time, he has been instrumental in the development and implementation of drug-free and opioid treatment, prevention, and education services for CODAC’s statewide services. He has served as its President/CEO since January 2000.
CODAC is a private, non-profit organization providing a wide range of behavioral healthcare services. Founded in 1971, CODAC provides outpatient treatment and psychoeducational services in the following areas: chemical and other addictions (including opioid maintenance treatment and tobacco cessation) as well as anger and attitude management, student assistance services, DWI, prevention and education. CODAC also is an active member in Rhode Island’s Prisoner Re-entry services and is a direct service provider in Rhode Island’s department of Corrections.
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), CODAC has over 90 staff members and annual revenues in excess of $5,500,000.
Mr. Rizzi has served on committees to re-write State licensing standards, local community and prevention task forces. He is a member of the Board and Treasurer of the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) and chair of AATOD’s International Committee.
He has recently been elected Treasurer of the World Federation for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (WFTOD- an NGO with Special Consultative Status to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs). He is also Vice President of the Drug and Alcohol and Treatment Association of Rhode Island (DATA-RI), and Chair of the Opiate Treatment Association of Rhode Island (OTARI).
Mr. Rizzi has organized and /or presented at international events in Scotland,Italy,Turkey,Canada,Vietnam, and the Ukraine.
