Brad Gerke
Summary
Passionate and empathetic professional with over a decade of experience in addiction recovery, business development, and community outreach. Dedicated to helping individuals on their recovery journey through strategic leadership, strong community ties, and innovative program development.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Co-founder and President
516 Light Foundation 501(c)(3)
03.2018 - Current
- Established a 501(c)(3) Non-profit organization focused on providing support and resources for those in recovery
- Spearheaded fundraising initiatives and developed community outreach programs
- Collaborated with local organizations to expand the foundations impact and reach
- Delivered impactful presentations to schools, elected officials, community organizations, and media outlets, raising awareness, reducing stigma, and advocating for those who suffer with SUD.
Business Development & Director of Operations
Banyan Treatment Center
11.2015 - Current
- Fostered relationships with treatment centers, hospitals police departments, probation officers and community leaders to create treatment pathways for individuals in need
- Cultivated and maintained strong relationships with healthcare providers, referral sources, and community organization to drive client admissions
- Provided lunch inns for hospitals and SUD facilities explaining Banyan’s treatment programs, therapeutic interventions, and aftercare support
- Supervised and managed a team of 30 Behavior Health Technicians
- Lead operations strategies for on the leading treatment centers
- Guided the center’s expansion and enhanced its services to better support clients recovery journeys
- De-escalated clients concerns and successfully maintained high client retention
- Increased bed capacity from 2 to 48 to better support client’s recovery journey.
Sober Home Owner
516 Sober Home
01.2011 - 01.2018
- Successfully managed and operated a sober home
- Built a strong community network to support residents’ recovery efforts
- Focused on life skills and daily living, emotional regulation and personal development for residents in early recovery
- Provided a safe and secure atmosphere for residents.
Education
High School Diploma -
Downers Grove South
Downers Grove, IL06-2003
Skills
- Business Development
- Strategic Operations Management
- Relationship Building
- Client Admissions
- Team Management
- Expansion Strategies
- Client Retention
- Non-profit Management
- Fundraising
- Community Outreach
- Public Speaking
- Advocacy
- Sober Home Management
- Community Networking
- Life Skills Training
- Safe Environment
Websites
Hobbies and Interests
- Family
- Helping others
- YouTube Content Creator
- Motorcycles
Timeline
Co-founder and President
516 Light Foundation 501(c)(3)
03.2018 - Current
Business Development & Director of Operations
Banyan Treatment Center
11.2015 - Current
Sober Home Owner
516 Sober Home
01.2011 - 01.2018
High School Diploma -
Downers Grove South
Similar Profiles
Jacob MooneyJacob Mooney
Support Staff at Independent Dialysis Foundation (Non-Profit 501 C 3)Support Staff at Independent Dialysis Foundation (Non-Profit 501 C 3)
Manungima Jack SillahManungima Jack Sillah
Special Advisor at Royalty Ministries Community Foundation 501(c)(3)Special Advisor at Royalty Ministries Community Foundation 501(c)(3)
Farida BarakatFarida Barakat
Secretary General at cSecretary General at c