January 9, 2017

Sunrise House Treatment Center, an American Addiction Centers (AAC) facility, is pleased to announce the appointment of Fred Trapassi, Jr., as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Trapassi brings more than 15 years of behavioral healthcare experience to his new role at AAC.

In 2000, Mr. Trapassi began his behavioral healthcare career with Phoenix House as a Program Director for adolescent residential treatment services at Phoenix House Academy, Rhode Island. In 2007, he was promoted to Vice President and Senior Program Director for Rhode Island Operations, with direct oversight of 11 programs throughout the state. Mr. Trapassi then assumed responsibility for Phoenix House Intensive Treatment Services, a 64-bed facility in Massachusetts, providing Acute Treatment Services and Clinical Stabilization Services. Mr. Trapassi was also responsible for Phoenix House’s development of the state’s only treatment continuum for substance use disorders with co-occurring mental health issues.

During his tenure with Phoenix House, Mr. Trapassi was appointed to serve on a number of public and private committees, including The Governor’s Council on Behavioral Healthcare, The Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Health, the Rhode Island Justice Commission,  and The Governor’s Commission on Disabilities. He also served as a Federal Peer Reviewer for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and President of the Board of Directors for Drug and Alcohol Treatment Association of Rhode Island.

Mr. Trapassi has received various awards, including the 2015 Rhode Island Labor Assistance Professionals Award for providing compassionate care to members of the associated unions and their families, the prestigious Jefferson Award for public service to a local community, the Nyswander Dole (Marie) Award for treatment advocacy, and the Brown University Howard K. Swearer Award for his work as a VISTA volunteer and street outreach worker. He is also a SAMHSA certified trainer for the Serious and Violent Offenders, Community Re-Entry Initiative.

“Everything I’ve learned of Sunrise House and the team has been top notch; very high standards,” said Trapassi. “Many of the staff have been here for multiple years and I am excited to be joining and leading this remarkable team. There is a lot of expertise, longevity and dedication here. When AAC approached me for this position, I knew it would be a rewarding challenge.”