Rise Recovery Names Karla Ramirez CEO Following Expansion of Youth Recovery Services

Behavioral health leader to guide organization's continued expansion of recovery, treatment and educational services for youth and families

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Sept. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rise Recovery today announced the appointment of Karla Ramirez, LCSW, MSSW, MSHA, as Chief Executive Officer, following her tenure as Interim CEO. Ramirez brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in behavioral health, healthcare operations and community-based services.

The appointment comes during a period of strategic growth for Rise Recovery as the organization expands its prevention, treatment, recovery support and educational services for adolescents, young adults and families impacted by substance use. Rise Recovery's continuum of care includes recovery support programs, an adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program, and Rise Inspire Academy, the only recovery high school in Bexar County.

“Karla has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and commitment to our mission,” said Bill White, Chairman of the Rise Recovery Board of Directors. “She has already helped strengthen the support available to young people and families throughout our community, and her leadership positions Rise Recovery well for this next chapter of growth and impact.”

Since joining Rise Recovery's leadership team, Ramirez oversaw the launch of Rise Recovery's Intensive Outpatient Program for adolescents, broadening access to treatment and creating a continuum of care from intervention and treatment to long-term recovery. She has also championed the continued growth of Rise Inspire Academy, ensuring that students in recovery have access to both academic success and sustained recovery support.

“I am honored to serve as Chief Executive Officer of Rise Recovery,” said Ramirez. “For nearly five decades, Rise Recovery has empowered young people and families with hope, support and a path to victory in life. Our work is about more than recovery. It is about helping young people reclaim their futures. By strengthening access to treatment through our Intensive Outpatient Program and supporting students through Rise Inspire Academy, we are building a continuum of care that gives young people every opportunity to thrive.”

Under Ramirez's leadership, Rise Recovery will continue to focus on expanding access to care, strengthening family engagement, growing community partnerships, enhancing prevention efforts, and increasing the organization's long-term impact across South Texas.

For nearly 50 years, Rise Recovery has served as a trusted community resource, providing prevention education, recovery support services, and innovative programs that help individuals and families overcome the effects of substance use and build healthier futures.

About Rise Recovery

Rise Recovery is a San Antonio-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping teens, young adults, and families overcome the effects of drugs and alcohol through prevention, intervention, education, treatment, and recovery support services. Through innovative programming, strong community partnerships, and a commitment to lasting recovery, Rise Recovery empowers individuals and families to achieve healthier and more hopeful futures. riserecovery.org

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Yolanda Haymon
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