Thresholds Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Thresholds has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, technology, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to healing, Thresholds provides essential healthcare, housing, and hope for individuals facing mental illness and substance use disorders, inspiring recovery and independence across Illinois.

Leadership Roles at Thresholds

  • Chief Executive Officer - John Benedict
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Jacqueline Johnson
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Thomas Ferch
  • Chief Financial Officer - Steven VanHouten
  • President - Mary Goldfarb
  • President & Professional & Counselor & Owner - Patti Hein
  • Chief Information Officer - Ademola Popoola
  • Chief Technology Officer & Founder, Amp - Brian Ko
  • John Benedict - Chief Executive Officer

    John Benedict, the Chief Executive Officer at Thresholds, directs the overarching strategy and operational framework for the organization. Benedict guides the company's mission to provide comprehensive healthcare, housing, and support services to individuals with mental illnesses and substance use disorders throughout Illinois. This leadership role involves ensuring the effective delivery of care, employment opportunities, and advocacy programs that empower individuals to reclaim their lives. Benedict's strategic vision focuses on expanding the reach and impact of Thresholds' services, fostering innovation in treatment methodologies, and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders and community partners. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include setting long-term goals, managing organizational resources, and championing the company's core values of hope, healing, and recovery. By overseeing all major initiatives, John Benedict ensures Thresholds remains at the forefront of mental health and substance use disorder treatment in the region.

    Jacqueline Johnson - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Jacqueline Johnson, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Thresholds, spearheads the strategic direction and executive leadership of the organization. Johnson is responsible for driving the company's mission to deliver vital healthcare, housing, and hope to thousands of individuals in Illinois affected by mental illness and substance use disorders. This executive position involves cultivating an environment of care, employment, and advocacy that enables individuals to rebuild their lives. Jacqueline Johnson's leadership ensures the seamless integration of services, focusing on enhancing patient outcomes and expanding access to critical support systems. The President & Chief Executive Officer's duties encompass fostering strategic partnerships, overseeing operational efficiency, and championing the organization's commitment to recovery and empowerment. Through dedicated oversight, Johnson guides Thresholds in its pursuit of excellence in mental health and addiction services across the state.
    Jacqueline Johnson

    Thomas Ferch - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Thomas Ferch, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Thresholds, leads the organization's strategic vision and operational execution. Ferch is dedicated to advancing Thresholds' commitment to providing essential healthcare, housing, and hope for individuals managing mental illnesses and substance use disorders across Illinois. This critical role involves overseeing the delivery of comprehensive care, employment services, and advocacy initiatives designed to foster recovery and independence. Thomas Ferch's leadership ensures that the organization effectively supports thousands of individuals annually, empowering them to reclaim their lives. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include driving organizational growth, optimizing service delivery, and maintaining the highest standards of patient care. By steering the company's strategic initiatives, Ferch reinforces Thresholds' position as a leader in mental health and substance use disorder services.

    Steven VanHouten - Chief Financial Officer

    Steven VanHouten, the Chief Financial Officer at Thresholds, manages the organization's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. VanHouten oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation, ensuring the sustainable delivery of healthcare, housing, and support services to individuals with mental illnesses and substance use disorders in Illinois. This role is crucial for maintaining the financial stability required to support thousands of persons annually in their journey toward recovery. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to financial reporting, risk management, and optimizing financial performance to maximize the impact of Thresholds' programs. Steven VanHouten ensures compliance with all financial regulations and drives initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. By providing robust financial oversight, VanHouten supports the organization's mission to inspire hope and empower individuals to reclaim their lives.

    Mary Goldfarb - President

    Mary Goldfarb, the President at Thresholds, provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for key organizational functions. Goldfarb is instrumental in advancing Thresholds' mission to deliver comprehensive healthcare, housing, and hope to individuals managing mental illnesses and substance use disorders throughout Illinois. This leadership role involves guiding operational strategies that enhance service delivery and support the recovery journeys of thousands of individuals annually. Mary Goldfarb's focus includes fostering strong relationships with community partners, ensuring program effectiveness, and championing the organization's commitment to empowering individuals to reclaim their lives. The President's responsibilities encompass driving strategic initiatives, overseeing departmental performance, and ensuring alignment with the company's core values. Through dedicated leadership, Goldfarb strengthens Thresholds' impact in providing essential support and inspiring hope.

    Patti Hein - President & Professional & Counselor & Owner

    Patti Hein, the President & Professional & Counselor & Owner at Thresholds, directs critical aspects of the organization's service delivery and operational management. Hein is dedicated to advancing Thresholds' core mission of providing essential healthcare, housing, and hope for individuals with mental illnesses and substance use disorders across Illinois. This multifaceted role involves overseeing the provision of direct care, counseling services, and strategic ownership initiatives that empower individuals toward recovery and independence. Patti Hein's leadership ensures the highest standards of professional practice and client support, contributing significantly to the organization's ability to serve thousands annually. The President & Professional & Counselor & Owner's responsibilities include guiding clinical operations, fostering a supportive environment, and driving initiatives that enhance client outcomes. Hein's commitment reinforces Thresholds' dedication to inspiring hope and facilitating life reclamation.

    Ademola Popoola - Chief Information Officer

    Ademola Popoola, the Chief Information Officer at Thresholds, directs the organization's technology strategy and information systems infrastructure. Popoola is responsible for leveraging technology to enhance the delivery of healthcare, housing, and support services for individuals with mental illnesses and substance use disorders across Illinois. This leadership position involves overseeing the development and implementation of secure, efficient, and scalable IT solutions that support Thresholds' mission of inspiring hope and recovery. Ademola Popoola's focus includes managing data security, optimizing digital platforms for patient engagement, and ensuring technological advancements align with the organization's strategic goals. The Chief Information Officer's duties encompass managing IT operations, driving digital transformation initiatives, and ensuring robust technological support for all departments. By leading technology innovation, Popoola strengthens Thresholds' capacity to serve thousands of individuals effectively.
    Ademola Popoola

    Brian Ko - Chief Technology Officer & Founder, Amp

    Brian Ko, the Chief Technology Officer & Founder, Amp at Thresholds, spearheads the technological innovation and development initiatives for the organization. Ko drives the creation and implementation of cutting-edge technology solutions that enhance the delivery of healthcare, housing, and support services to individuals facing mental illness and substance use disorders. This role involves architecting robust technological frameworks that empower Thresholds' mission to provide hope and foster recovery across Illinois. Brian Ko's expertise is critical in developing scalable platforms and digital tools that improve patient engagement, streamline operations, and ensure data integrity. The Chief Technology Officer's responsibilities include leading research and development, managing the technology roadmap, and fostering a culture of innovation within the tech teams. Through strategic technological leadership, Ko advances Thresholds' capacity to serve thousands of individuals effectively and efficiently.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Thresholds Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Thresholds?
    Thresholds is led by John Benedict (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jacqueline Johnson (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Thomas Ferch (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Thresholds’s executive team?
    The executive team of Thresholds includes leaders such as John Benedict (Chief Executive Officer), Jacqueline Johnson (President & Chief Executive Officer), Thomas Ferch (President & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Thresholds have?
    Thresholds has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Thresholds’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Thresholds includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President.