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Nelson Bradley Career Achievement Award

In 1983, a young but rapidly emerging organization recognized Nelson Bradley, M.D. with its first annual outstanding achievement award. Dr. Bradley participated and led the pioneering activities in Minnesota that resulted in a multi-disciplinary approach to treating persons with alcoholism and the recognition of alcoholism as a treatable disease. Through his early efforts, treatment models were developed which have been modified but are still in place today.

Shortly after being presented with this award, Dr. Bradley died. The award has been named in his honor to celebrate his leadership in the field of addiction treatment. The intention of this annual award is to recognize the life long achievements of individuals and to preserve the memory of the many contributions to modern addiction treatment that Dr. Bradley so generously shared with the addiction treatment field.

Award Recipients

John Curtiss, The Retreat

2024
Curtiss's career underscores a steadfast dedication to enhancing addiction treatment services. Notably, his pivotal role in designing The Retreat model—a non-clinical, mutual-help approach grounded in the spiritual principles of AA—exemplifies his visionary leadership and transformative impact within the field.

Judy Crane

2023
In the past 15 years, Ms. Crane founded The Refuge, Spirit2Spirit Healing, and the Guest House Ocala. Ms. Crane has developed one of the country’s leading treatment centers specializing in integrated trauma/PTSD and addiction recovery as well as spearheaded Spirit2Spirit Healing, a movement in experiential and holistic therapies. She is a sought-after teacher on PTSD and sexual trauma resolution...

Mike Schiks, Project Turnabout & Hazelden Foundation

2022
Mike Schiks is a tireless advocate embodying leadership, wisdom, and respect. He has made lasting contributions through his genuine compassion and uncompromising focus on those in the treatment process. Throughout his career, Mike represented the field as a principal partner in Minnesota Model Consulting and in multiple board and leadership positions with both state and national organizations. Mr...

Pamela Rodriguez, TASC

2021
Pamela F. Rodriguez is the retired president of TASC, Inc., a nonprofit case management agency that serves adults and youth with substance use and mental health disorders, where she worked for many years. Ms. Rodriguez oversaw their public policy, research and service delivery to nearly 25,000 individuals each year who are referred to by courts, corrections, and child welfare systems.

Betty Ford, Betty Ford Center

2019
Former First Lady Betty Ford put a courageous new face on recovery when, at age 60, she openly sought treatment for addiction to alcohol and prescription medications. Her candor created a national dialogue and lifted the shame surrounding addiction, unlocking the door to recovery, especially among women. In 1982, Betty Ford opened the door to recovery even wider when she co-founded the nonprofit...