Shannon Higbee will be the next Chief Executive Officer of Recovery Options Made Easy (ROME) starting November 5, 2021. Higbee, who has been acting Interim CEO since the untimely passing of the late Dr. Kirsten Vincent, will continue supporting the geographically largest peer- run organization in the state as the new CEO. Covering 20 counties in WNY and the Finger Lake region, ROME is dedicated to helping those in recovery through their lived experience.
Shannon Higbee has been working in the non-profit field for over 17 years. Starting in an educational role at a private school in Western New York; she taught secondary English, as well as working as the Director of Development. Shannon transitioned into working into the mental health field with Recovery Options Made Easy, formerly Housing Options Made Easy, in 2016. She began working with Recovery Options in their Housing Department as the Housing Director and has grown with the organization in several roles. Shannon brings her passion for peer services and mental health advocacy to her new role.
Shannon’s leadership successes include developing and launching a multi-county digital literacy program for older adults, overseeing COVID -19 implications and guidelines for vaccine education and tracking staff, redesigning the housing expenses process, and working with administration on a Learning Management System to reduce hands-on onboarding time for Human Resources.
Since June 2021, Shannon has successfully overseen the transition of responsibilities in the wake of Dr. Vincent passing. In addition, she has also increased programmatic, infrastructure, and capital funding through multiple sources. She has onboarded a new program in Monroe County, as well as successfully completing Respite Licensure in creating an opportunity for Medicaid billable services of 1.7 million revenue annually. Recently, she has increased direct staff wages by 10 – 20% to support retention within the agency.
Shannon continues to have a passion for teaching as well as training on several peer service topics across the state. Her belief in the efficacy and necessity of high quality and accessible peer services is the driving force behind her work.
About Recovery Options Made Easy
Recovery Options is a not- for – profit supported housing and community support services agency. As a 95% peer run organization, Recovery Options was developed and is operated by those who have lived through the recovery process. Programs and services benefit participates in mental health services in 20 counties through Western New York and Finger Lake regions. The organization is committed to decreasing stigma by increasing awareness of mental health and substance use through information, education, and advocacy.
