CRAFTSBURY – The Obama Foundation welcomed 206 change-makers from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States into The Obama Foundation’s Leaders program on September 9. Representing 70 nations and territories, these leaders will join four regional programs that showcase the global reach and impact of the foundation’s leadership network. This year’s class brings together 35 leaders from Africa, 35 from the Asia-Pacific region, 35 from Europe and more than 100 from the United States.
Among the 206 is Craftsbury resident, Daniel J. Franklin. Franklin is the executive director of the Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery, a statewide advocacy organization where he leads efforts to transform systems of care for individuals and communities affected by substance use and mental health challenges.
Franklin focuses on breaking down systemic silos, advancing equity, and building healthier environments to address the root causes of addiction.
Previously serving as the organization’s vice president for advocacy and community relations, he played a key role in securing historic investments in mental health and recovery services and training over 500 recovery coaches statewide. He also helped develop the nationally recognized “recovery village model” at Jenna’s Promise, a holistic approach to care that centers trauma-informed support and community-level change.
Franklin previously served as director of North Central Vermont Recovery Center and as vice president for advocacy and community relations at VAMHAR, where his innovative work and leadership in the field and his communities garnered numerous awards including being named a Vermont Business Magazine Rising Star, a Community Prevention Champion and the Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Business Wellness Leader.
According to the Obama Foundation, Franklin and his fellow chosen leaders’ efforts span government, business and civil society sectors, but all share a common drive to confront the world’s challenges.
