Thresholds Executive and Leadership Team

John Benedict, the Chief Executive Officer at Thresholds, directs the overarching strategic vision for mental health and substance use disorder services. Benedict manages the expansion of community-based housing initiatives, ensuring that clinical programs meet the evolving needs of persons with mental illnesses. By coordinating with the Board, the Chief Executive Officer aligns organizational resources with the mission of providing hope and recovery. This leadership role involves monitoring regional healthcare trends to optimize service delivery across Illinois. John Benedict maintains rigorous standards for care quality, fostering partnerships that enhance vocational training and advocacy efforts. Through consistent focus on operational excellence, the Chief Executive Officer drives sustainable growth, enabling the organization to support thousands of individuals annually. Benedict secures the financial health of the institution while championing systemic improvements in behavioral health access, ultimately strengthening the impact of the entire clinical network.

Tom Ferch, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Thresholds, oversees the integration of housing and clinical support services to maximize patient outcomes. Ferch architects the operational framework that connects individuals with essential mental health resources and stable living environments. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Ferch collaborates with executive leadership to refine service models that address complex substance use disorders. This role requires constant evaluation of program efficacy to ensure alignment with the broader mission of reclaiming lives. Tom Ferch drives initiatives that bridge the gap between clinical intervention and community reintegration, fostering a holistic approach to recovery. By managing cross-departmental workflows, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that housing programs remain accessible and effective. Ferch maintains a focus on long-term sustainability, guiding the organization through the complexities of the Illinois healthcare landscape to deliver consistent, high-quality support for every client.

Jacquie Johnson, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Thresholds, leads the advocacy and public policy efforts that support mental health awareness and funding. Johnson directs the development of community outreach programs, ensuring that the organization remains a vital resource for persons with mental illnesses. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Johnson coordinates with external stakeholders to expand the reach of vocational and housing services. This leadership position involves shaping the organizational culture to prioritize empathy and recovery-oriented care. Jacquie Johnson monitors the impact of legislative changes on healthcare delivery, adjusting internal strategies to maintain compliance and service quality. By fostering strong relationships with community partners, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the support network available to clients. Johnson drives the mission forward by championing innovative care models that address the unique challenges faced by individuals navigating mental health recovery in the Illinois region.

Mary Goldfarb, the President at Thresholds, oversees the daily operations of clinical programs and residential housing services. Goldfarb directs the management of multidisciplinary teams, ensuring that every client receives personalized care tailored to specific mental health needs. As the President, Goldfarb monitors the quality of service delivery across all facilities, maintaining high standards for patient safety and recovery outcomes. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to optimize resource allocation and staff training. Mary Goldfarb drives the implementation of evidence-based practices that support individuals in achieving long-term stability and independence. By fostering a collaborative environment, the President ensures that clinical and housing services remain integrated and responsive to client feedback. Goldfarb manages the operational logistics of the organization, ensuring that the mission of providing hope and housing is fulfilled consistently across all regional locations, thereby supporting the overall health and well-being of the community.

Patti Hein, the President & Professional & Counselor & Owner at Thresholds, provides clinical leadership and direct counseling expertise to support the recovery of individuals with mental illnesses. Hein directs the development of therapeutic programs that address the intersection of substance use and mental health. As the President & Professional & Counselor & Owner, Hein oversees the training of clinical staff, ensuring that all counseling services adhere to the highest professional standards. This role involves evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and adjusting treatment plans to meet individual needs. Patti Hein drives the integration of holistic wellness strategies into the standard care model, promoting long-term recovery and personal growth. By maintaining a hands-on approach to clinical supervision, the President & Professional & Counselor & Owner ensures that the organization provides compassionate and effective support. Hein fosters a culture of continuous improvement, directly impacting the quality of life for thousands of clients served.

Dayo Popoola, the Chief Information Officer at Thresholds, manages the digital infrastructure and data systems that support clinical service delivery. Popoola architects secure platforms for electronic health records, ensuring that practitioners have immediate access to critical patient information. As the Chief Information Officer, Popoola oversees the implementation of advanced analytics to track recovery progress and program effectiveness. This role involves protecting sensitive health data while enabling seamless communication across all housing and treatment facilities. Dayo Popoola drives the adoption of new technologies that streamline administrative tasks, allowing clinical staff to focus on direct patient care. By aligning IT strategy with the organizational mission, the Chief Information Officer ensures that digital tools facilitate better outcomes for persons with mental illnesses. Popoola maintains robust cybersecurity protocols, safeguarding the integrity of the entire network while supporting the operational scale required to serve thousands of individuals across the state.

Brian Ko, the Chief Technology Officer & Founder, Amp at Thresholds, leads the development of specialized software solutions designed to enhance vocational and housing support. Ko architects scalable platforms that connect clients with employment opportunities and community resources. As the Chief Technology Officer & Founder, Amp, Ko integrates innovative digital tools into the existing service model to improve user engagement and program accessibility. This role involves collaborating with clinical teams to identify technological gaps in the recovery process. Brian Ko drives the creation of custom applications that simplify the tracking of housing stability and vocational milestones. By leveraging technical expertise, the Chief Technology Officer & Founder, Amp ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of digital health innovation. Ko maintains a focus on user-centric design, creating intuitive systems that empower individuals to reclaim their lives through technology-enabled support, ultimately increasing the efficiency of the entire service delivery network.