Granite House names new COO and Director of Admissions & Alumni Relations

The Granite House has announced that Bill Simmons is stepping into the role of Chief Operating Officer. As COO, Simmons will oversee day-to-day operations with a focus on internal efficiencies and policies.

Simmons brings a variety of professional experience to his new role. He spent nine years at Mountainside Treatment Center in Canaan, Conn., where he served as a Program Coordinator and a Counselor, before being promoted to Director of Continuing Care in 2008. He is a National and International Credentialed Drug and Alcohol Counselor, and a BLS & CPR trainer through the American Heart Association.

Simmons also has a passion for helping people outside of the treatment center as well. He is a certified firefighter, having spent time as an officer of his local Fire Department. His other community volunteer activities include being actively involved with his local food pantry and is a co-founder of the "Sunday in the Country Food Drive," an annual fundraising event for 17 food pantries in the New York-Connecticut-Massachusetts tri-state area.

As The Granite House continues to grow and expand, the naming of Simmons as COO, coincides with another administrative change at the facility. Ryan Gagne, the current Chief Operations Officer, will assume the brand new role of Director of Admissions & Alumni Relations.

In his new position, Gagne will direct the admissions process from point of inquiry through enrollment, and will coordinate and administer alumni programs and communication that support The Granite House's strategic plans and goals. Gagne will also partner with Chief Executive Officer, Eric Spofford, with business development efforts that include advertising, marketing, and special events.