Meet the Team
Release Foundation is run by a group of dedicated, supportive individuals seeking to make recovery attainable for everyone.
Meet the Team
The Release team is diverse, athletic, and committed to helping clients focus on the life-giving aspects of recovery–so that healing is more accessible and sustainable.
Our team and board members are here to support you in your journey.
Release Foundation Board
Zac Clark
Founding Board Member
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
Matt Rinklin
Founding Board Member and Board Chair
Co-founder of Release Recovery Foundation. When he’s not helping and mentoring others, Matt focuses on direct infrastructure investments. He’s the Managing Director of GCM Grosvenor and previous Senior Vice President at Oaktree Capital Management, where he built strategic relationships for the firm and led origination of investments in the transportation sector.
Fun Facts
- Former quarterback for the University of Chicago and still holds passing records.
Barbara Barnhart
Board Member
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.
Fun Facts
- Known for her “not-to-miss” theme parties
- Enjoys skiing, golf and horseback riding
- Married for 34 years and has two adult children
Jeffrey Baum
Board Member
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
Dorothy Devlin
Board Member
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
Andrew Schwartz
Board Member
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 Phelps
Board Member
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
Aaron Hancock
Board Member
Aaron is an alternative investments professional who currently serves as a Vice President and Co-Portfolio Manager at Artemis. He is a leader in driving diversity, equity, inclusion, and education through his work with organizations such as the PREA Foundation, Sponsors for Educational Opportunities, and the Toigo Foundation. Aaron earned a BS in Applied Economics and Management from Cornell University and a MBA from Harvard Business School as a Dean’s Award Recipient for service to the school and society. Aaron is motivated to support the Release Foundation’s efforts to broaden access to high-quality treatment and care, regardless of people’s backgrounds.
Fun Facts
- Avid user of Todoist
- Voracious reader of fantasy novels
- Amateur barista
Cassidy Mara
Board Member
Cassidy is a lawyer in New York City, where she has represented employers in employment disputes since graduating from Fordham Law School in 2016. She has practiced law in New York State and Federal Court, as well as in Connecticut and New Jersey State Courts handling discrimination, retaliation, and harassment claims and class action wage and hour lawsuits. Cassidy now serves as Assistant General Counsel at Deloitte. She believes deeply in the foundation’s mission and is proud to lend her support.
Fun Facts
- Nickname is Sassy (or Aunt Sassy to her many nieces and nephews)
- Member of a girls-only fantasy football league
Release Foundation Team
Margaret Ross
Community Manager
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
Hannah Flynn
Program Manager
As the program manager for the foundation, Hannah works with scholarship recipients, their loved ones, and clinical teams – building long-term relationships with those who reach out to the foundation for support. She brings a passion for serving others and building community to the Release Foundation, which holds a special place in her heart. Hannah previously worked part-time with the Release Foundation and has experience working for an inpatient treatment center and a perioperative pain clinic. Hannah graduated from Loyola University Maryland in 2022 with a BA in Psychology and Communication.
Fun Facts
- Once stranded on an island in South Africa
- Has spaghetti and meatballs for her birthday every single year
Charles Lerner
Director of Engagement
Charles Lerner is energized by the opportunity to serve as the director of engagement at Release Recovery and the Release Recovery Foundation. In these roles, Charles’ mission is to establish a resilient and compassionate community dedicated to supporting individuals in their journey through recovery and overcoming addiction. By fostering genuine connections and prioritizing collective well-being, he is focused on creating a nurturing environment that transcends conventional approaches. Most recently, Charles spent six years at Tao Group Hospitality, where he spearheaded the Tao Cares community and employee engagement efforts. A 2014 graduate of Syracuse University, Charles managed the men’s basketball team for 4 years – including a trip to the 2013 Final Four.
Fun Facts
- 3-time marathoner
- Bleeds orange for Syracuse basketball