03/13/2026
This week we celebrate a truly special milestone: 17 years of leadership, service, and heart from our Executive Director, Cody.
Seventeen years ago, Cody stepped into the Executive Director role at Tony Rice Center with a vision rooted not just in education or experience, but in something even more powerful... lived recovery, compassion, and unwavering belief that people can change.
But Cody’s story with Tony Rice Center didn’t begin in the director’s office.
It began in 1998, when Cody first walked through our doors seeking a different way to live. He arrived willing to do whatever it took to find sobriety and build a better life. Through treatment, he began to understand the science and psychology of addiction, the way it impacts the brain, and what true, holistic recovery looks like.
By 1999, Cody had found something deeper than recovery... he found purpose. Wanting to give back to the program that helped save his life, he began serving as our cook and kitchen manager. Those meals weren’t just food; they were an act of gratitude and love for the community that helped him heal.
In 2001, Cody stepped into a new role as a Substance Abuse Counselor, dedicating himself to learning everything he could about addiction, recovery science, and the many paths to healing. His passion for psychology, research, and evidence-based care strengthened our clinical program and touched countless lives along the way.
Then in 2008, the Board of Directors saw something special in Cody...a man who had walked the path himself, believed deeply in recovery, and had the heart to lead Tony Rice Center into the future. They asked him to serve as Executive Director.
And for the past 17 years, he has done exactly that.
Under Cody’s leadership, Tony Rice Center has continued to grow, evolve, and serve Tennesseans seeking hope and healing from addiction and co-occurring disorders. He has remained committed to combining strong evidence-based treatment with innovative and experiential approaches that help individuals truly reclaim their lives.
Cody believes deeply in the idea that recovery is possible for anyone who wants it. As defined by SAMHSA, recovery is “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.” Cody lives that belief every single day.
His favorite quote says it best:
“If nothing changes, then nothing changes.”
For 17 years as our Executive Director, and more than two decades as part of the Tony Rice Center family. Cody has been helping change lives, one person at a time.
Cody, thank you for your leadership, your compassion, your dedication to recovery, and for never losing sight of the mission. The countless lives touched by your work are a testament to what happens when someone truly believes in the power of change.
Congratulations on 17 years of incredible leadership. We are grateful for you today and every day. 💙