Draft:Victor McKenzie Jr
Victor McKenzie Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1992 (age 32–33) Virginia, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Education |
|
| Occupation(s) | Nonprofit executive, public health advocate |
| Years active | 2010–present |
| Known for | Executive Director, Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Alliance of Virginia (SAARA) |
| Website | www.victormckenzie.com |
Victor McKenzie Jr. (born c. 1992) is an American nonprofit executive, public health advocate, and community leader. He has served as Executive Director of the Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Alliance of Virginia (SAARA) since 2020, where he has led initiatives to expand addiction recovery services, advocate for harm reduction policies, and champion Medicaid reform.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]McKenzie was born in New York City, where he observed the challenges faced by under-resourced neighborhoods, an experience that influenced his commitment to public service and community-based advocacy.[2] He received his Bachelor's degree in Leadership from Old Dominion University. He is currently pursuing his MBA at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.[3].[3]
Career
[edit]Neighborhood Resource Center of Greater Fulton
[edit]Prior to joining SAARA, McKenzie held leadership positions at the Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC) of Greater Fulton in Richmond, Virginia. He served as Program Director, and eventually Interim Executive Director, where he focused on workforce development and financial empowerment programs for low-income families.[3]
Executive Director of SAARA
[edit]In 2020, McKenzie was named Executive Director of SAARA of Virginia, a statewide recovery advocacy organization.[1] Under his leadership:
- He helped establish Virginia’s first recovery high school in 2022, providing specialized education for students in recovery.[4]
- Advocated for "Danny’s Law," requiring hospitals to provide take-home naloxone kits to patients treated for overdose.[5]
- Launched the "Voices for Recovery" campaign, training individuals to share personal stories of recovery to reduce stigma.[6]
During the 2023 legislative session, McKenzie led efforts to reform “barrier crime” laws that prevented many individuals with past, low-level offenses from working as peer recovery specialists. A new law was enacted in 2024, allowing qualified persons to be hired after a four-year conviction-free period.[7]
Health policy and leadership roles
[edit]McKenzie has served in various advisory capacities, including:
- Appointment by Governor Ralph Northam to the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority Board in 2021, where he served as Secretary and helped oversee opioid settlement fund distribution.[8]
- Membership on the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services Advisory Committee, advocating for Medicaid coverage of behavioral health services, including peer recovery support.[3]
Medicaid reform and consulting
[edit]McKenzie has authored policy briefs on Medicaid support for behavioral health, calling for improved reimbursement models for addiction treatment and recovery programs. His op-eds, featured in outlets like Virginia Mercury, highlight the importance of expanding access to peer-led recovery and addressing workforce shortages in the behavioral health sector.[9]
Advocacy work
[edit]McKenzie champions a public-health-first approach to substance use disorder, emphasizing that addiction is a treatable disease rather than a moral failing.[1] In addition to statewide policy initiatives, he has organized community forums, including roundtables with legislators to discuss recovery workforce expansion, the impact of stigma, and the financial toll of addiction on families.
Political activities
[edit]In 2022, McKenzie ran for the Virginia House of Delegates (82nd District), focusing his platform on expanding healthcare access, criminal justice reform, and workforce development. Although he did not win the election, the race garnered significant endorsements and attention, highlighting his “solutions-focused” approach to policymaking.[10] He continues to play an active role in local and state-level politics.
Personal life
[edit]McKenzie live in Richmond, Virginia with his wife and daughter. McKenzie was recognized in Style Weekly’s “Top 40 Under 40” list in 2022,[11] reflecting both his accomplishments and his potential as an emerging leader.
References
[edit]<references> <ref name=\"phiva-qa2021\">{{cite news |title=Q&A with Victor McKenzie Jr. |url=https
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Welcome SAARA's New Executive Director". SAARA of Virginia. June 30, 2020.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
\"phiva-2021\"was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b c d Cite error: The named reference
\"resume\"was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Q&A with Victor McKenzie Jr". The Philanthropy Journal of Virginia. March 30, 2021.
- ^ "Virginia Legislature Approves Naloxone Bill". Community Coalitions of Virginia. 2021.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
\"phiva-qa2021\"was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "SAARA Statement on Barrier Crime Reform". SAARA of Virginia. January 10, 2024.
- ^ "Governor Northam Appoints Opioid Abatement Board Members". SAARA of Virginia. September 1, 2021.
- ^ "A Win-Win: Addressing Va.'s Mental Health Workforce Shortage". Virginia Mercury. February 14, 2024.
- ^ "Victor McKenzie Jr. Announces Campaign". Virginia Scope. May 12, 2022.
- ^ "Style Weekly 2022 Top 40 Under 40: Victor McKenzie Jr". Style Weekly (archived). 2022.