Hazelden Betty Ford Names Its First Diversity Officer

The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation has announced the hiring of Andrew Williams as its first director of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Williams will begin his tenure with Hazelden Betty Ford on June 7.

Williams most recently served as assistant vice chancellor for student success, engagement and equity at the University of Minnesota Rochester. He brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education diversity and multicultural leadership to Hazelden Betty Ford, having served previously in roles with the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities; the Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs; and Carleton College.

In his newly created position with Hazelden Betty Ford, Williams will be tasked with leading efforts to drive cultural and behavior change, championing DEI awareness, understanding, allyship and advocacy, as well as advancement for underrepresented groups. His hiring is part of a broader, 3-year strategy for diversity, equity and inclusion at Hazelden Betty Ford that has included the creation of an internal DEI committee and partnerships with external organizations to expand access to addiction treatment for more individuals.

“We are committed to lifting up more voices, reaching new communities, providing more opportunities, and making long-term investments in our journey toward greater diversity, equity and inclusion,” Hazelden Betty Ford CEO Designate Joseph Lee, MD, who on June 28 will succeed the retiring Mark Mishek as president and CEO, said in a news release. “Andrew’s leadership is key to our future, and helping us reach our goals. I am excited to work with him.”

Williams said in a statement that he hopes “to intelligently complicate policy and practice decisions with equity-minded and culturally attentive questions and arguments. To paraphrase Wendell Barry, it is the obstructed stream that makes the most beautiful sound.”