New Clearview director aims to continue program’s success

The new executive director of Clearview Recovery, Scott Pritchard, now has two weeks under his belt and is getting the feel for his new role.

Pritchard replaced former executive director Marv Fangman, who built the center from the ground up. Pritchard talked about the moment Fangman offered him the role of executive director.

“He called me in here and asked me what I thought about being the executive director. And the first words I said were ‘Marv, I would be honored,’” Pritchard said. “I hope that I can keep it what it is that he built. He’s done a nice job here from the ground up. This building wasn’t in great shape at the beginning and he made a lot of changes and it’s turned into a successful program for a lot of women and their children.”

Pritchard said he doesn’t plan on making any big changes the first year and wants to just keep the boat steady, get it clear from any waves and maintain a successful program for women and children.

“It’s just a huge honor and I want to keep Clearview what it’s been and the reputation we have built of being a good quality treatment center,” Pritchard said. “I want to keep that reputation and build it from there.”

Pritchard was formerly a substance abuse counselor for the company and said his past experience as an addict and now being sober for 14-and-a-half years has helped him relate to the women and perform his duties as a counselor for eight years.

“I understand what the girls are going through. I’ve been there. I’ve done that, which I think helps,” Pritchard said. “And we have some other employees who have been in that same situation – went through treatment and made their way to successful careers.”

Pritchard found his way to the top Clearview and is now the face of center. He said he will miss the one-on-one time with clients, but is excited to learn and step into a new role.

Pritchard shadowed Fangman for a full month before taking over and will be able to reach Fangman via Skype for the next six months for any help or advice.

“There will be a lot things I’ll be doing that I haven’t done, but I like to learn and I think I can handle it. And Skyping with Marv to ask ‘is this right’ or ‘what do I need to do here’ will be a huge help for me,” he said.

Fangman’s resignation was in effect Aug. 21 and said he would not have recommended Pritchard to fill his role as executive director if he did not believe he could handle it.

“He has been with the organization from the start and has transformed into a seasoned professional who has experience in all facets of the treatment process,” Fangman said. “He is honest and good, which provides him the characteristics necessary to lead the organization into the future and maintain the mission statement as it is written.”

Fangman accepted a behavior health specialist position in the U.S. Virgin Islands and will be moving in the coming weeks. However, his time at Clearview has been unforgettable and he said the 10-plus years has validated the fact that people can recover and care about other people.

“The experience was unforgettable,” Fangman said. “When we first opened we weren’t sure how the communities would accept us. It has been nothing less than amazing. From the church groups to the quilters, to the parents of a child with an addictive issue, they have all embraced the facility and the clients within.”

Along with a new executive director, there will also be a new president of Clearview. It was previously Pritchard’s mother, but she will step down to board member and former board member Carol Diekema will step into the role as president.

“Carol has a lot of knowledge, and in the areas I need like grant writing and ideas for grant writing, so I’m looking forward to dealing with her closely,” Pritchard said. “It’s going to be a fun run.”

Contact Alex Olp at aolp@myprairiecitynews.com