Medford, Ore.- OnTrack’s interim Executive Director, Dr. Kerri Hecox, has stepped down from her role at the embattled drug and alcohol treatment program.
Hecox currently serves as Site Medical Director at La Clinica. She told NBC5 News Tuesday the decision to step away from OnTrack was based on what’s best for the community. That sentiment was echoed by Jim Maize, OnTrack’s board president, who said in a statement the organization will begin an extended search for a new director.
In order to facilitate OnTrack moving forward as quickly as possible in its mission to serve vulnerable families, the Board of Directors is launching an immediate national search for a permanent executive director. The Board recognizes the important role OnTrack plays in the community, and is committed to bringing on the most highly qualified administrator to continue to identify and rectify our current challenges. During initial Board discussions with Dr. Hecox and a review of an internal organizational needs assessment, it became apparent that the role Dr. Hecox plays as a direct medical service provider to many of our clients is invaluable and is an important aspect of their stability at this time. We mutually agreed that her talents are best utilized in continuing to provide physical health care to this population, rather than in an administrative role.
The OnTrack Board continues to analyze OnTrack’s organizational structure, and in addition to the hiring of a permanent executive director, the Board will be adding several key positions and making sure that in those positions are occupied with highly qualified people.
-Jim Maize, OnTrack Board President
Hecox originally took over for Dr. Rita Sullivan several months after she was placed on leave amid threats of lawsuits and issues with state oversight agencies. NBC5 News has confirmed OnTrack’s relationship with Sullivan was terminated completely last week.
OnTrack is currently working to complete steps outlined in a corrective action plan submitted to the Department of Human Services in January. The plan remedies several health and safety concerns brought up by the agency.
NBC5 News was first to break the news about issues within the agency. You can see previous coverage here:
https://kobi5.com/news/nbc5-news-investigation-inside-ontrack-part-1-42954/
https://kobi5.com/news/nbc5-news-investigation-inside-ontrack-part-2-43135/
https://kobi5.com/news/nbc5-news-investigation-inside-ontrack-part-3-43215/
https://kobi5.com/news/local-news/nbc5-news-investigation-inside-ontrack-part-4-43291/
https://kobi5.com/news/inside-ontrack-oha-issues-follow-up-report-44656/
https://kobi5.com/news/dhs-investigation-into-ontrack-black-mold-abuse-and-rodent-feces-in-beds-45390/
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