Center City, Minn., February 22, 2008 – Hazelden Foundation today announced that Ellen Breyer, President and CEO since 2002, will step down from her position by April 4, 2008.

"Ellen leaves behind an impressive record of accomplishment and a legacy that will serve Hazelden well for many years to come," said Norb Conzemius, chairman of the Foundation Board of Trustees. He noted that during her tenure Hazelden became stronger financially, opened the Women's Recovery Center, received accreditation for the Graduate School of Addiction Studies, established the Center for Public Advocacy, and managed growth of the world's largest prevention, treatment and recovery publisher. 

An active national search has been launched for Breyer's successor. Breyer will remain on hand in a consulting role through June 1, 2008 and will work closely on the transition with the institution's senior management team.

In remarks to staff about her plans, Breyer noted that a number of high-profile projects of her tenure are complete or nearly so. Others still in process, such as planned expansions in New York and Florida, will take years of commitment to see through. Both Breyer and the Board, who have been in succession plan discussions, said now is the optimal time to make a leadership transition.

Before coming to Hazelden, Breyer had been vice president of business development and marketing for Ryan Companies, a Minneapolis construction firm, from 1999-2001. Before that she was head of marketing for the law firm of Leonard, Street and Deinard, a Minneapolis law firm and president and CEO of Truffles Group Inc. from 1988-90. Before moving to Minnesota in 1988 she was director of corporate marketing for Campbell Soup Company/Godiva Chocolatier, Inc., in New York from 1984-1988. Breyer holds an MBA from the Stern School of Business at NYU and continues to be a member of several local and national non-profit boards.

"The Board and organization are deeply grateful to Ellen for her service and wish her every future success," said Conzemius. "As we have for almost 60 years, we'll continue devoting all of our strength and resources to the daunting struggle against addiction to alcohol and other drugs."

Hazelden, a national nonprofit organization founded in 1949, helps people reclaim their lives from the disease of addiction. Built on decades of knowledge and experience, Hazelden offers a comprehensive approach to addiction that addresses the full range of patient, family, and professional needs, including treatment and continuing care for youth and adults, research, higher learning, public education and advocacy, and publishing.

Announcement letter from Norb Conzemius, chairman, Hazelden Board of Trustees