Betty Ford Center President, CEO Leaving; Wants to Write Book About Facility

 Longtime Betty Ford Center President and CEO John Schwarzlose is leaving his post, it was announced today.

Schwarzlose, who has been the drug and alcohol treatment center's lead administrator since its start, will become CEO emeritus and "shift out of the day-to-day operations of the center as part of the transition to a new CEO," according to a written statement from the Betty Ford Center.

According to the statement, Schwarzlose will begin writing a book about the center's history.

"He and Mrs. Ford often talked about such a book; it was her hope that John would embrace the project," according to the statement. "He will also remain available for consultation and special projects."

The statement said Schwarzlose "has given a great deal to the Betty Ford Center over the past 31 years."

A committee is working to find and hire a new CEO. Four center officials will serve as a transition team in the president's office.

According to center officials, talks are continuing about an alliance with Minnesota-based Hazelden Foundation, with a meeting planned in the future. Hazelden has drug and alcohol treatment facilities in Minnesota, Oregon, Illinois, New York and Florida.

The Betty Ford Center was founded in 1982 in Rancho Mirage by former first lady Betty Ford and Leonard Firestone, son of Firestone tire company founder Harvey Firestone and U.S. ambassador to Belgium in the 1970s.

– City News Service.