Crystal Lake-based Northern Illinois Recovery appoints new executive director

Northern Illinois Recovery filled a newly created position of executive director earlier this month, the Crystal Lake-based addiction treatment provider announced.

Nick Howell will oversee all aspects of the treatment facility’s day-to-day business operations, including strategic planning, corporate and business development, financial management and program compliance, according to the release.

Howell comes to Northern Illinois Recovery from OSF HealthCare where he served in a regional leadership role overseeing performance improvement operations for five hospitals, and supporting the development and advancement of innovations operations.

“We are thrilled to have Nick join the Northern Illinois Recovery team,” Chief Executive Officer Jonathan P. De Carlo said in the release. “His integrity, leadership acumen, and experience in advancing organizational innovation are a vital part of the continued growth and success of NIR’s service to our clients, families, referents and surrounding community.”

Howell’s expertise includes quality, financial and operational improvement, as well as strategic planning and implementation, according to the release. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and financial economics from Eureka College.

“I am proud to be part of such an innovative organization that continuously works to improve the lives of clients and supports our community in treating addiction,” Howell said in the release. “It is abundantly clear that Northern Illinois Recovery is passionate about the care they are providing to empower clients and families to establish lasting recovery. I look forward to supporting this mission, and collaborating with the NIR team to provide purposeful, integrative behavioral health services in northern Illinois.”