BGADD Hires Recovery Support Specialist

LEXINGTON, KY – The Bluegrass Area Development District (BGADD) is taking decisive action to combat substance use disorder (SUD) in central Kentucky with the introduction of a new Recovery Support Specialist position. This role is designed to enhance regional planning efforts, secure funding opportunities, and drive strategic initiatives that support individuals and communities affected by SUD across BGADD’s 17-county service area.

The BGADD has selected Gene Detherage to fill this critical position, after joining the BGADD in August 2024 as an Economic Development Specialist. A lifelong resident of Appalachia, Detherage brings years of experience in policy development, advocacy, and recovery housing expansion. Having begun long-term recovery from substance use disorder in 2014, he has dedicated his professional career to addressing the social and economic impacts of SUD throughout the region.

Detherage holds a master’s degree in public administration from Morehead State University and has served on numerous advisory boards, councils, and leadership initiatives focused on recovery solutions. His previous work includes expanding access to quality recovery housing, assisting in the passage of key state legislation to improve recovery services, and advising on policies that strengthen recovery support networks. In his new role at BGADD, he will collaborate with local and state agencies, non-profit organizations, and policymakers to develop comprehensive strategies that enhance treatment options, housing availability, and workforce reintegration for individuals in recovery.

BGADD Executive Director David Duttlinger emphasized the significance of this new position, stating, “Creating a holistic approach to substance use disorder has been a top priority of the Bluegrass ADD Board for many years. Substance use disorder detracts from economic development and impedes our most precious regional asset – human capital. Gene is uniquely qualified to create and implement a strategy that will make generational differences in the treatment, housing, and re-integration to the workforce for those individuals afflicted by substance use disorders. We are ready to roll up our sleeves and get busy in this important endeavor.”

Detherage expressed his commitment to the role, noting, “Ensuring meaningful collaboration between entities seeking to alleviate the consequences of substance use disorder is crucial in working toward long-term, sustainable positive outcomes for our communities. The privilege of having the opportunity to advise our elected officials along with community partners and other statewide experts is a true honor. I've dedicated my life to understanding how to support recovery, and I'm grateful to do it here in the Bluegrass ADD region.”

With this strategic appointment, BGADD reinforces its commitment to fostering innovative, community-driven solutions that address substance use disorder at its root causes and create pathways for recovery and resilience.

Gene Detherage, Recovery Support Specialist