Andrew Picard
New Executive Director
San Diego, CA – Stepping Stone of San Diego, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive alcohol and drug recovery services and support for the LGBTQ+ community, is excited to announce the appointment of Andrew Picard as its new Executive Director, effective April 26, 2023.
Picard brings a wealth of experience to Stepping Stone, having served in various leadership roles within nonprofit organizations focused on healthcare for marginalized communities, LGBTQ+ communities, and workforce and economic development. Most recently, he served as Chief Operations Officer for Mama’s Kitchen, a County-wide non-profit overseeing nearly $5 million and a staff of over 30 full-time employees.
“We are thrilled to welcome Andrew to Stepping Stone,” said Board Chair Michael Moore. “His proven leadership, experience in organizational development, and passion for serving the LGBTQ+ communities make him the perfect fit to lead our organization. We are confident that, under his guidance, Stepping Stone will continue to expand its reach and positively impact the lives of countless individuals.”
Picard, a member of the LGBTQ+ community himself, has dedicated his career to designing inclusive programs for LGBTQ+, low-income, and other vulnerable populations. Prior to his role at Mama’s Kitchen, Picard spent nearly eight years as Chief Program Officer at the San Diego Workforce Partnership (SDWP), where he managed a grant portfolio of over $30 million and successfully increased revenues by launching strategies successfully braiding federal, state, local grants with private-philanthropic funding initiatives to increase impact across our region.
“I am honored to join Stepping Stone San Diego, an organization that has made such a profound impact on the lives of so many in the LGBTQ+ and recovery communities,” said Picard. “Stepping Stone’s mission is personal to me, as it is for many of us who identify as LGBTQ+. And since COVID, we have seen that there has never been a greater demand for Stepping Stone’s mission within our community and across our nation. I look forward to working with the talented team to continue providing vital services and support to those in need.”
Retired Executive Director Cheryl Houk expressed her confidence in Picard’s appointment, stating, “Andrew Picard’s history of national coalition building and public policy thought leadership demonstrates he is a strong leader and visionary for Stepping Stone’s essential commitment to continued growth and impact for the community. “
For more information about Stepping Stone of San Diego, please visit https://steppingstonesd.org/.
About Stepping Stone of San Diego Stepping Stone of San Diego is a nonprofit organization committed to providing comprehensive alcohol and drug recovery services tailored to meet the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Since 1976, Stepping Stone has been providing support and services through residential treatment programs, outpatient care, transitional housing, and a wide range of community-based support services.
Media Contact:
Jere Halligan
[email protected]
619-972-6586