Thresholds Executive and Leadership Team

Tom Ferch, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Thresholds, directs the overarching strategic vision for mental health and substance use disorder services. Ferch architects long-term growth initiatives while ensuring the organization maintains high standards of clinical care across Illinois. By aligning internal resources with the mission of providing housing and hope, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives operational excellence and sustainable impact. Tom Ferch collaborates with the Board to secure funding and expand community outreach programs. This leadership role involves navigating complex healthcare regulations to optimize service delivery for thousands of individuals. Through consistent engagement with stakeholders, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the reputation of the organization as a leader in behavioral health. Ultimately, Ferch secures the future of the agency by championing innovative recovery models that address the evolving needs of the population.

Steven VanHouten, the Chief Financial Officer at Thresholds, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for all clinical and housing programs. VanHouten oversees complex budgeting processes to ensure the financial stability required for delivering high-quality mental health services. By monitoring revenue streams and grant funding, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of critical care initiatives throughout the region. Steven VanHouten implements rigorous financial controls to maximize the efficiency of every dollar spent on patient support. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to align operational spending with the strategic goals of the organization. Through meticulous analysis of financial data, the Chief Financial Officer identifies opportunities for cost reduction and investment in infrastructure. Ultimately, VanHouten maintains the fiscal integrity necessary to sustain the long-term mission of providing hope and recovery to persons with mental illnesses.

Mary Goldfarb, the President at Thresholds, oversees the daily execution of clinical programs and community-based support services. Goldfarb drives the operational success of housing initiatives and employment assistance programs designed to help individuals reclaim independence. By managing cross-functional teams, the President ensures that care delivery remains consistent with the core mission of the organization. Mary Goldfarb coordinates with regional partners to expand the reach of mental health services and substance use disorder treatments. This leadership role involves refining service models to better address the specific needs of the population served in Illinois. Through active supervision of program managers, the President maintains high standards of quality and compliance across all facilities. Ultimately, Goldfarb fosters a culture of recovery and empowerment, ensuring that every client receives the necessary support to achieve personal stability and long-term wellness.

Ademola Popoola, the Chief Information Officer at Thresholds, directs the digital transformation and technological infrastructure supporting clinical operations. Popoola architects secure data management systems that protect sensitive patient information while facilitating seamless communication between healthcare providers. By integrating advanced software solutions, the Chief Information Officer enhances the efficiency of housing and employment services across the Illinois network. Ademola Popoola leads the implementation of modern health information technology to improve patient outcomes and streamline administrative workflows. This leadership role involves evaluating emerging technologies to ensure the organization remains at the forefront of digital health innovation. Through the deployment of scalable platforms, the Chief Information Officer supports the data-driven decision-making processes essential for effective mental health advocacy. Ultimately, Popoola ensures that technological assets remain robust and reliable, directly enabling the staff to focus on providing life-changing care.