Zac Clark

Zac Clark is a business executive, mental health and addiction recovery advocate, and the founder and CEO of Release Recovery, a behavioral health organization based in New York. Clark established Release Recovery after several years working in the behavioral health field. The organization employs approximately 125 people across multiple facilities in New York, providing transitional living, therapy, family support, and treatment scholarships. With more than a decade of experience in behavioral health, Clark began his career in direct client care and advanced into senior leadership roles, gaining insight into various aspects of the recovery industry, including the nonprofit sector.

Clark’s professional mission is informed by his personal experience with substance use disorder and recovery. He has publicly shared that his own journey inspired him to create an organization staffed by therapists, doctors, and behavioral healthcare professionals. Clark began his recovery at Caron Treatment Centers and now serves on its board of trustees. He is also the founding board member of the Release Recovery Foundation, which provides funding for treatment to individuals who cannot afford it.

Clark gained national attention through his appearance on season 16 of ABC’s "The Bachelorette," where he discussed his sobriety. His participation on the show led to the creation of a mental health podcast, a partnership with Narcan, and a platform to discuss addiction recovery. Clark’s visibility has supported fundraising efforts, helping to raise significant funds for the Release Recovery Foundation and expand scholarship partnerships nationwide.

As the founding board member of the Release Recovery Foundation, Clark focuses on removing financial barriers to treatment for underserved communities through DEI and LGBTQIA+ scholarships and on educating the public about lifesaving tools such as Narcan. Through his work, Clark addresses financial and social barriers to behavioral health care and advocates for reducing the stigma associated with seeking help.

In addition to his organizational leadership, Clark is a public speaker and podcast host, sharing his message at college campuses, corporate events, and media platforms. He has completed 17 marathons, emphasizing the role of discipline and movement in his approach to work and life.