ANCHORAGE – VOA Alaska announced today that Julia Luey has been appointed the new President and CEO of the organization. An experienced behavioral health leader with more than 14 years in the industry, Luey assumes the role effective immediately.
Julia Luey has served as Vice President of Treatment Services at VOA Alaska since 2018, additionally she has served as Interim CEO since October 2021. Before joining the VOA team, Luey served in a variety of leadership and direct-service roles in the behavioral health industry in Alaska. She believes strongly in the power of connection and hope and is motivated to spread this to the youth and families VOA Alaska serves.
“Julia is poised to continue strengthening VOA Alaska’s position as an organization on the front lines of addressing the mental health needs of the youth in our community.”
Don Winchester, Chair of VOA Alaska’s Board of Directors
“After an extensive nationwide search for the next President and CEO, the board and I believe we have truly found the best candidate in Julia,” said Don Winchester, Chair of VOA Alaska’s Board of Directors. “She is poised to continue strengthening VOA Alaska’s position as an organization on the front lines of addressing the mental health needs of the youth in our community by increasing access to care, strengthening families and being on the forefront of prevention and wellness.”
In her time at VOA Alaska, Luey has embraced innovation and compassion to shape treatment programs in a way that meets the unique needs of Alaska’s youth and families. In her focus on providing a robust and seamless continuum of care, she has removed countless barriers, added new levels of care, and strengthened VOA’s treatment teams, all during a challenging pandemic. In her time as Vice President, VOA’s capacity to serve youth and families has increased by 40% and the actual number of those served has increased by 84%.
“I firmly believe we are called to do this work and our connection to it goes beyond the desire to simply help others.”
Julia Luey, President & CEO
Looking ahead to her new role as President and CEO, Luey reflects, “During my time with the agency, I have been through many seasons that have deepened my commitment to VOA and our mission to eliminate suffering of those we serve. I firmly believe we are called to do this work and our connection to it goes beyond the desire to simply help others. It is a fire in our souls to stand up for what’s right, to not go with the status quo, to do the hard things. I share this fire with our amazing team at VOA Alaska and am looking forward to this next season with them as we roll up our sleeves and maintain this powerful momentum.”
Julia Luey has a Bachelor’s in Psychology and holds national counseling certifications in Chemical Dependency Clinical Supervisor and National Certified Addiction Counselor I.
About VOA Alaska
As an Alaska direct-service non-profit organization, VOA Alaska has focused on serving Alaska’s most vulnerable since 1981. Today, our behavioral health professionals educate and support youth struggling with substance misuse and mental health. Our public health team is on the front line of prevention, working to strengthen and promote healthy communities. Our Kinship Family program supports Alaskans taking care of relative children.
Media Contact
Alyssa Bish
Director of Community Relations
abish@voaak.org
(907) 419-7821