Cindy Sneed, Chief Clinical Officer of The Next Door, Inc. has been selected as an Associate of the inaugural Women’s Addiction Services Leadership Institute, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). Sneed is one of only 18 Associates selected nationwide from a field of over 130 nominees and is the only participant from the State of Tennessee. Applicants were selected for their individual accomplishments and future aspirations, as well as for the attributes and contributions that they are likely to bring to the formation of the first class of Associates.

The goal of the Women’s Leadership Institute is to develop a cadre of leaders who will advocate for, develop, and spear-head initiatives that provide for the needs of women with substance use disorders, their families and their communities.

“It is a tremendous honor for both Cindy and The Next Door that she has been chosen to participate in SAMHSA’s first ever Women’s Leadership Institute”, said Linda Leathers, Chief Executive Officer of The Next Door, Inc. “We are so grateful for the amazing vision and leadership that Cindy has given to The Next Door and to her professional colleagues across the State of Tennessee. This recognition at a national level offers Cindy a great opportunity to share her insights and collaborate with other professionals from across the country.”

The Women’s Leadership Institute is designed to foster the personal and professional growth of the selected Associates, as well as their organizations’ ability to meet the myriad of challenges and opportunities in the field of women’s addiction treatment. Associates in the 2009 Women’s Addiction Services Leadership Institute will participate in a six-month program which includes comprehensive assessments, immersion and enhancement trainings, action learning, and coaching sessions and will build the foundation of an alumni network.