STACEY LAWTON RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS KATHLEEN WHELAN-ULM WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP AWARD

SCADD CEO Honored for Exceptional Leadership and Commitment to Behavioral Healthcare

New London, Connecticut, June 2025 – The Southeastern Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (SCADD) is proud to announce that Stacey Lawton, Chief Executive Officer, has been selected to receive the 2025 Kathleen Whelan-Ulm Women’s Leadership Award from the Connecticut Certification Board (CCB).

This distinguished award recognizes Stacey's outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment to SCADD, and inspiration to others.

Lawton’s leadership has elevated SCADD to new heights of professionalism and achievement, and her efforts are not only recognized within the SCADD community, but also resonate widely, showcasing the care and dedication provided in a region that often goes unnoticed.

“Stacey’s leadership at SCADD has been noticed by her peers around the state, and I know that Kathleen herself would be pleased to see the honor bestowed her,” said Jeffrey Quamme, CEO of the CCB. “I am especially pleased that our Board selected Stacey, as she and the entire SCADD team serve in the communities where I grew up.”

The award was presented at the 2025 Annual Conference & Awards Presentation June 5 at Saint Clements Castle in Portland.

“I am both honored and humbled to receive the 2025 Kathleen Whelan-Ulm Women’s Leadership Award,” said Stacey Lawton, CEO of SCADD. “While this recognition is graciously being bestowed upon me, it really belongs to all the trailblazing women who paved the way, and it deepens my commitment to advancing opportunities for the next generation of women leaders.”

Lawton began at SCADD in 1993 as a hotline operator in the New London acute care setting. She has held several roles within the agency, becoming Chief Operating Officer in 2006. In 2019, as part of the agency’s leadership succession plan, Lawton was appointed Chief Executive Officer.

“Stacey’s vision and leadership have been transformative for SCADD,” said Timothy Gilman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SCADD. “She has fostered a culture of compassion, innovation, and client-centered care, ensuring that SCADD remains a beacon of hope for individuals and families in our community. This award is a well-deserved recognition of her remarkable achievements.”

The Connecticut Certification Board is a non-profit organization that offers certification for addiction counselors, clinical supervisors, co-occurring disorders and prevention professionals in Connecticut. The Board has established specialty certificates in substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, and problem gambling for professionals licensed and credentialed in other behavioral healthcare domains. The Board is active in a number of important state-wide workforce development initiatives, provides training/continuing education and ensures that the training provided in Connecticut by approved vendors meet established standards.