Men from all walks of life come through our doors. We serve carpenters and lawyers, students and professors, indigents and wealthy folks, men of all races. Some are here because they’ve been convicted of a DUI and a judge gave them a nudge. Some come directly from jail, others because family and friends delivered an ultimatum.

Last year our residents’ ages varied from 18 to 67. A surprising 50% were 30 or under; more than 70% were 40 or under. These men should all have many more years ahead of them and, sober, they’ll be able to lead happier, productive lives.

STAFF

		Glen Webber, Executive Director The Navy brought Glen to San Diego in 1973. He left the service to become a systems analyst working on important military projects until he was hospitalized and sent to the Ranch in 1988. After going through recovery, he stayed on and became an employee. His responsibilities grew; in 1997 the Board named him Executive Director. Under Glen’s management, the Ranch has earned many commendations. Glen holds an M.S. from Springfield University (MA), has helped develop their Addiction Studies curriculum, and teaches at their extension campus in San Diego.
		Michael Huffaker, Operations Manager Since completing the recovery program in 1998, Mike also stayed on as an employee. He has held positions of increasing importance while pursuing an academic path in the field of Addiction and Recovery, and is now a certified Addiction Specialist II. Since being promoted to Operations Manager in 2004, Mike has been responsible for the Ranch’s management team and all daily operations.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

		Jon Howard, Chair Jon has been on the Freedom Ranch Board for 7 years. He owns an electrical contracting company in San Diego, where he settled down after serving in the Navy. Originally from Piedmont, CA, he is 49 years old and married. Jon says “the addiction community is swelling with people on the streets and suffering is growing day by day,” so he’s committed “to helping the Ranch serve more people.”
		James Byrnes, Fundraising Committee Chair and Immediate Past Board Chair Jim is a practicing attorney in San Diego who has been on the Freedom Ranch Board for 23 years. He was graduated from West Point and served as a captain in the U.S. Army. During the Vietnam era, Jim earned a Bronze Star and Commendation Medals from both the Army and Joint Services. As Board Chair for the last 4 years, in order to preserve the adequacy of the Ranch’s water system and allow for expansion, he championed the Ranch’s acquisition of over 200 contiguous acres. In addition to Freedom Ranch, Jim serves on the Board of Heartland House.
		Dr. Steve Hansen, Vice-Chair Steve is a physician and retired Navy Commander. He is the son of a Navy pilot and spent much of his life in the service. He was born in Coronado and has resided in Pacific Beach and La Jolla for the past 30 years. A long-standing member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Steve has brought a wealth of knowledge to the Freedom Ranch Board since joining it in 2005. He also serves as President of Destiny House.
		Rich Backman, Secretary Rich, a retired businessman, brings significant management experience to the Board. He is a native Californian with an MBA from SDSU and an undergrad degree from Berkeley. He has donated his time to the Board for 23 years because, he says, the program “really does help alcoholics and addicts find recovery.” He wants to help assure that the Ranch continues and improves its service to the men who want to renew their lives.
		Bert “David” Wood, Treasurer Dave is a CPA and a long-time resident of Point Loma. He has been on the Board for 5 years, and served as Treasurer throughout that time. He is a graduate of San Diego State University and a former Marine. Whether riding a bike, power walking or hiking, Dave likes to move forward decisively. And that’s what he wants for Freedom Ranch, with its “great staff, spirituality and track record.”
		George Wood Yes, they’re brothers. George is older. He’s been married for 50 years, and a Freedom Ranch Board member for 20. A sales executive, George is active in the Alpine community, serving on the Boards of the Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Foundation. He says “the Ranch is the perfect place for men of all ages to come together to achieve sobriety.”
		Michael Rakowski Mike, a real estate broker for over 35 years, is well-known throughout El Cajon, Lakeside and Santee, and has received numerous commendations from the East San Diego County Board of Realtors. As a Board member for 25+ years, Mike’s been lending his expertise to Freedom Ranch because “I can’t ‘outgive’ it. The more I give to the Ranch, the more I get back. It feels very good to help your fellow man.”
		Stan Miller Stan joined the Freedom Ranch Board in 2007. A retired sales and marketing executive, Stan has more than 35 years' experience with companies large and small. After college he served with honors in the U.S. Navy, and he and his wife of 25 years have lived in El Cajon for the past 22. Stan's experience complements that of the other Board members and strengthens the Ranch’s ability to serve its constituents effectively and responsibly.
		Tony Neff Tony, a pillar of the Mountain Empire community, joined the Board in 2008. He helps the Ranch achieve its mission because “I’ve seen first-hand the guidance the guys receive in making their lives whole again.” As publisher and co-owner of the area’s Back Country Messenger newspaper, Tony’s many honors have included Kiwanian of the Year and the prestigious Heart of the Mountain Award, presented by County Supervisor Diane Jacob.
		Joyce Summer Joyce joined the Board in 2009. One of downtown San Diego’s leading citizens, she directed its community planning group for 7 years and has served on numerous other committees, including those that drafted downtown’s 20-year plan, advised the City on Balboa Park and the Embarcadero, selected an operator for the Neil Good Homeless Day Center, and many more. Joyce’s marketing consultancy lists both the Freedom Ranch and the Centre City Development Corporation as clients.