CEO Announcement

Suzanne Bissonette’s Retirement

Suzanne L. Bissonette has announced that she will soon retire from her role as Caz Recovery’s CEO. After 25 years of service with the agency, she will depart in early 2023. During her remarkable career, she has served in public and nonprofit roles for over 40 years throughout Western New York.

Her tenure at Caz Recovery has been nothing short of transformational for the agency. Above all else, she has always prioritized providing the best possible treatment and care for people with substance use disorders. Suzanne’s legacy includes the creation of critical community services, multiple successful acquisitions, the development of supported and affordable housing across the area, a unique partnership with FLACRA that led to new services for veterans, and a sincere appreciation for the continued dedication of Caz Recovery’s staff. Most importantly, the agency has saved thousands of lives and reunited families all over Western New York under Suzanne’s leadership.

Today, Caz Recovery is a thriving partner in the region’s system of behavioral healthcare. Suzanne’s steadfast fiscal stewardship has notably increased organization’s revenue from $2 million in 1998 to nearly $10 million in 2021. This sets the stage for Caz Recovery’s continued success and the preservation of services that are vital to the community. Navigating the challenges of the pandemic has not been easy, but Caz Recovery’s future looks brighter than ever due to Suzanne’s initiative and foresight over the last two years.  

“Suzanne taught me how to have a good balance of heart and professionalism. She’s always been so supportive.” – Briana Petersdorf, Program Manager of Turning Point House

“I’ve seen the agency grow under her leadership from a single house at Cazenovia Manor to a multi-million dollar operation today. She really planted a great seed.” – Ronald Corpening, Counselor at Cazenovia Manor

Needless to say, the organization will miss her kind words of encouragement and her guidance. Thanks to Suzanne’s leadership, Caz Recovery has been able to support some of Western New York’s most vulnerable. As a former resident once said, “I have nothing but good days now.”

“In many ways, I wish I was not retiring given the current state of the agency” said Suzanne. “There are so many new opportunities on the way with better financial outcomes for our staff.  However, I am excited about the new adventures retirement will bring,” she said.

The agency wishes Suzanne an enjoyable and extremely well-deserved retirement.