CHESLEY RICHARDSON, MPH BOARD CHAIRMAN

Chesley (Rod) Richardson founded, incorporated, and served as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Director of a 501 (C)(3) corporate entity for more than 25 years. Before completing his undergraduate studies at The Detroit Institute of Technology, as a Natural Science major, he completed two years, of a four year obligation, on active duty in the United States Naval Reserves as a Medical Corpsman. He received an Honorable Discharge and also received a National Defense Service Medal. After discharge from active duty in the Navy he completed undergraduate studies, using G.I. bill benefits, to receive a Masters of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University Of Michigan School Of Public Health. After receiving his MPH and prior to serving as CEO of the 501(C)3 Rod was employed as a “Senior Program Development Analyst” with a BlueCross/BlueShield Alternative Health Care Program and as “Assistant to Senior Executive Vice President” at a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). Concurrent positions included “Consultant Surveyor” with the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals Mental Health/Substance Abuse Programs and an appointment as an “Expert Consultant” with the U.S. Department of Health Education & Welfare/ Public Health Service. Other credentials held by Rod include Certifications in the following areas: Herbal Extract Specialist, Substance Abuse Addictions Counselor; Fitness and Nutrition; Holistic Nutrition Practitioner, and Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED (2014/2015). Rod has also ABD’ed a 15 month Alternative Health Care Practitioner program.