Van Smith is a person in recovery himself for over 35 years from addiction. With over 25 years of experience in leadership & management in the field of substance use disorder, Van has specialized in developing recovery housing and recovery-oriented systems of care, trained in cultural competency & health literacy. He is the founder and President & CEO of Recovery Houses of Rochester and the President and 1 Of the Founding members of the New York State Alliance of Recovery Residences. Van has been identified as a subject matter expert who shares with passion and inspiration his lived experience as a recovery residence provider for over 23 years in the City of Rochester, NY and the County of Monroe. Van serves on many nonprofit boards in the community. He is a Father, Husband, Grandfather and loves to exercise, eat good food and fellowship .