Leonard Kincaid Commended for Excellence in Nonprofit Work and Mental Health Care
Leonard Kincaid is the retired chief executive officer of Houston Recovery Center LGC
Looking ahead, he is dedicated to furthering innovation within behavioral health services—particularly through technology—to reduce barriers and improve accessibility for those seeking care.
CYPRESS, TX, February 04, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ — Leonard Kincaid has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Kincaid’s distinguished career in behavioral health and addiction recovery spans more than three decades, marked by visionary leadership and a commitment to innovation. In 2026, he assumed the role of chief executive officer at One Smart Choice LLC, where he continues to advance initiatives that support individuals affected by substance use and mental health challenges. Prior to this, he served as senior development advisor for Houston Recovery Center LGC for one year, following his retirement as chief executive officer and co-founder of the organization in December 2025.
During his tenure at Houston Recovery Center LGC from 2013 to 2025, Mr. Kincaid was instrumental in establishing the center as a local government corporation under the city of Houston. He led the development of a diversion program for individuals arrested for public intoxication, ensuring they were transported to the center rather than jail. This innovative approach provided safe monitoring until sobriety was achieved and enabled the identification of underlying substance use disorders.
Recognizing the need for comprehensive care, Mr. Kincaid also spearheaded the creation of targeted programs like Partners in Recovery—an 18-month initiative offering screening, assessment, placement in appropriate recovery settings and ongoing supervision through case management and peer support. His focus on long-term support, particularly during the critical first 90 days post-treatment, informed the program’s structure and contributed to its success.
A hallmark of Mr. Kincaid’s impact has been his advocacy for integrating peer specialists into behavioral health services in Houston. While a colleague introduced the concept locally, Mr. Kincaid played a pivotal role in expanding its reach throughout the city. Under his leadership, Houston became a model for peer support development beginning in 2015, initially training volunteers using models adapted from Hartford, Connecticut. These efforts evolved into paid peer positions within state-funded programs and inspired many peers to pursue advanced degrees and leadership roles—including major initiatives at institutions like the University of Texas School of Public Health. The success of these programs drew attention from state officials and contributed to the establishment of a certified curriculum for peer specialists across Texas.
From 1989 to 2012, Mr. Kincaid held various executive leadership positions at The Council on Recovery. Over his 23-year tenure, he advanced from intern to senior roles, including program director, vice president, chief operating officer and chief government relations officer. His work at The Council on Recovery laid the foundation for his later achievements in program development and organizational leadership.
Mr. Kincaid is also actively involved with Peer Path, an initiative developed in collaboration with Via Positiva that promotes lasting behavior change through peer support. Additionally, he leads the Houston Recovery Coalition—a nonprofit organization established nearly two decades ago to address fragmented funding structures and foster collaboration among service providers. Under his guidance, the coalition has strengthened engagement with legislators and influenced local funding strategies while championing technology-driven solutions to expand access to care. He intends to spearhead a new campaign aimed at raising awareness of the critical value peers bring to the workforce, particularly as experienced professionals retire and the pipeline of new providers remains limited. With a focus on leveraging technology, the coalition plans to launch a social media initiative highlighting the capacity of individuals with substance use challenges to manage and overcome their conditions when provided appropriate support, which remains insufficient in many communities.
Throughout his career, Mr. Kincaid has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to professional development within the field. He is a member of the American Leadership Forum and has served on advisory boards for organizations such as The Salvation Army and the Metro Police Department. He is also affiliated with the Houston Recovery of Michigan Coalition.
Mr. Kincaid’s academic background includes a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in health care management from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, earned in 1997. He also holds a Master of Arts in guidance and counseling from Jackson State University and a Bachelor of Applied Science in health education from Jackson State University. His early experiences as president of his high school and undergraduate classes, as well as co-founder and president of his academic program’s student organization, demonstrated his natural inclination toward leadership from an early age.
Reflecting on his career, Mr. Kincaid attributes much of his success to the acceptance and support received from colleagues over more than three decades since returning to behavioral health work. Collaboration with community partners and funders has been central to achieving results recognized at state, national and international levels, including awards like the Most Admired CEO by the Houston Business Journal in 2024 and the Facilitation Impact Award from the International Association of Facilitators in 2019.
Outside his professional endeavors, Mr. Kincaid prioritizes spending time with his family, including his children and grandchildren, and enjoys traveling and playing golf as hobbies. Looking ahead, he is dedicated to furthering innovation within behavioral health services—particularly through technology—to reduce barriers and improve accessibility for those seeking care. He takes pride in contributing to advancements that enhance community well-being and hopes these efforts will form an enduring part of his legacy.
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