Columbia, SC – LRADAC, the designated alcohol and drug abuse authority for Lexington and Richland Counties, has named Wendy Hughes as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. As the agency’s current Chief Financial Officer, Hughes has 20 years of experience in non-profit and healthcare administration, including 13 years as Vice-President and CFO at LRADAC. A 1995 graduate of the University of South Carolina, Hughes earned her Master of Business (MBA) from USC in 1999 and began her professional career in direct care for children with Epworth Children’s Home. Later, Hughes was case manager with therapeutic foster care. In addition to her work at LRADAC, Hughes is also a surveyor for the international accrediting body, the Council on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), and a graduate of Leadership Columbia.
“Wendy is an energetic and resourceful leader with intuition, perception, and deep respect for LRADAC’s mission of improving lives and communities,” said Joshua Fabel, LRADAC Board Chair. “Her passion for our services, financial accountability, and organizational stewardship have helped LRADAC become the state’s leading county authority in substance treatment. In addition, she was instrumental in shepherding us through the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring no downsizing or lay-offs while keeping us financially solvent. With her expertise, insight into current needs, and vision for meeting future challenges, Wendy is a natural choice to continue the legacy of care that outgoing CEO Gayle Aycock has built.”
Hughes will work with Aycock during the transition and take the helm of President & CEO on June 1.
