Jay Crosson began his career with Cumberland Heights in 1993 and accepted the role of Chief Executive Officer in 2015. Prior to becoming the CEO, Jay served in various capacities including that of CFO for the organization. He currently serves on the Board of NAATP as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. Jay also serves on the LegitScript advisory committee.
Jay is a graduate from MTSU, with an MBA from Belmont University. Additionally, he is a grateful recovering alumnus of Cumberland Heights, having been a patient in 1989. His personal experience of treatment and the transformative power of the 12 Steps shape his leadership principles today.
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Q. If you are in recovery, what was your Drug of Choice and when did you discontinue its use?
A. I started with marijuana and ended with alcohol and tried a lot in between. I discovered the human body did not require these substances and began my recovery journey on June 27th, 1989.
Q. At which of the schools you attended did you learn the most?
A. I received my MBA from Belmont University in Nashville. The staff and students were exceptional and I was working full time so being able to apply what I was learning to work and vice versa was exciting. I enjoyed my negotiations and mediations classes the most.
Q. Do you believe leaders are made or born?
A. Made.
Q. Which film have you watched the most?
A. Harry Potter movies
Q. Who is your favorite celebrity in recovery?
A. Tony H., who I had the opportunity to hear at The Cabin. I could listen to him and Marty Mann all day.
Q. If you ever retire, would you prefer to live by the ocean, lake, river, or mountaintop, or penthouse?
A. Not, if but when I retire, I plan to stay in my house in a walkable community in Nashville. I love vacations in the mountains.
Q. What is your favorite hotel or resort?
A. Disney World
Q. Where do you go to “get away”?
A. Disney World … I have an 8 year old little princess.
Q. What is your biggest or littlest pet peeve?
A. People who drone on too long about a topic.
Q. If you had an extra million dollars, which charity would you donate it to?
A. Cumberland Heights of course!
Q. Who was your biggest influence throughout your life?
A. My parents were exceptional humans. I value integrity, which was a hallmark of my father. My mom is one of the most loving people I have ever met.
Q. What is your FAVORITE APP?
A. Flipboard
Q. What is your FAVORITE TV/cable/digital series?
A. Breaking Bad
Q. What is your FAVORITE Sport to watch? To play?
A. Tennessee Football
Q. What is your FAVORITE Snack?
A. Blueberries are my favorite food.
Q. Do you have any children?
A. Yes, one daughter named Grace Avril.
Q. Do you think the U.S. should adopt the Portuguese Decriminalization Model?
A. YES
Q. Do you take work home with you?
A. The delineation between work and home are difficult especially now during COVID-19
Q. What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
A. “Never force anything”. My dad would tell me this when using tools. Usually something breaks when you try and force it. I later learned it applies to people too.
Q. What is the proudest moment in your life?
A. Outside of the birth of my daughter and being sober, in which I only claim partial credit, one of my proudest moments was qualifying for the Boston Marathon.
