Co-founder of the Release Foundation and CEO of Release Recovery, Zac maintains day-to-day operations of our program, including organizational expansion, staff development, fundraising and strategic planning. He’s Chairman of the New York Advisory Board for the Caron Foundation, where he himself received treatment for substance abuse. Zac has established philanthropic initiatives through the Clark Family and our Foundation.

Fun Facts

• Ran 13 marathons, including the coveted Goggins challenge
• Philly sports and Pearl Jam fanatic

Driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to save lives, Barbara is an advocate who brings to the Release Foundation Board a wealth of personal experience navigating the complex landscape of mental health care for her daughter, which provided her unique insights into the struggles that many families face. Having the means to access life-saving mental health treatment was a privilege she recognized, and she is determined to ensure that every individual – regardless of their circumstances – has access to the right care. Barbara has served on the boards of People’s Emergency Center and The Village, both of which provide shelter and support services to those at risk: homeless women with children and vulnerable young women needing residential treatment.

Managing partner of Baum & Baum with over thirty years of accounting and financial services experience. Provides tax and accounting services for individuals, businesses and fiduciaries and with a specialty in personal taxation and employee compensation. Member of the New York State Society of Public Accountants.

Fun Facts

• New York City resident for 45 years
• Enjoys traveling and hiking

As a Board Member, Dorothy raises funds and builds a successful, strong Release community. She is also the Co-Founder of DEVLINHAIR Productions and Learning where she leads her company to double digits growth, builds and leads teams and develops and maintains strong client relationships.

Fun Facts

• Nickname is Dute–rhymes with cute
• Enjoys making people laugh with outrageous antics like dressing up in costumes
• Loves experiencing people’s creativity through art, dance, music and free expression

A community connector and motivator, Andrew helps us raise funds, build the Release Foundation community and advocate for recovery initiatives. When he’s not motivating our entire community to be their best selves, he works as a finance partner at a wealth management firm.

Fun Facts

• Cold brew enthusiast
• Voted Best Uncle 2022
• Slow runner, hack golfer

Hilary is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and recovery advocate who after a RAND study showed heavy drinking increased 41% among women during the pandemic and as statistics continue to demonstrate that men are more than twice as likely than women to seek treatment, felt compelled to share her own struggle with alcoholism and get more involved in the recovery community. Phelps has worked in media, marketing, and event management across a broad range of categories, in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors.

Fun Facts

• An Ironman triathlete with certifications in yoga and pilates
• Served as a commentator at the 2012 London Olympics
• Has covered New York Fashion Week for multiple publications

Margaret wears several hats with Release. She assists the Foundation with our NYC marathon fundraiser and provides bookkeeping services for our scholarships. She also works full-time at Release Recovery as a Client Support Specialist in the women’s residences and assists Founder Zac Clark with administrative projects. Margaret graduated from Stony Brook University with a background in Sociology with academics focused on Substance Abuse and Prevention.

Fun Facts

• Long Island native
• Former D1 runner. Found out about Release through a running podcast
• Has never eaten a hamburger or hot dog, but not a vegetarian