Alex Figueroa is originally from Buffalo, New York and moved to Bennington three years ago. Alex attended Utica College where he received a B.S degree in Health Sciences with a Minor in Gerontology, and continued to further his education where he attended Hilbert College obtaining a Master’s degree of Public Administration with a focus concentration in Health Administration. Currently, Alex serves as the Assistant Director of Substance Use Disorder Services with United Counseling Service of Bennington County.
Alex serves on multiple boards and committees throughout the region and state, including board member and the Chair of the Advocacy Committee for the Berkshire Family & Individual Resources (BFAIR) and board member on the Green Mountain Community Network. Furthermore, Alex is also on the Statewide Intervention, Treatment & Recovery Committee (SMPC-ADAP), is a member of the Substance Misuse Prevention Oversight Advisory Council through the Vermont Department of Health and is a standing member of the Vermont Association of Addiction Treatment Providers. Alex was named as one Southern Vermont’s Emerging Leaders Award in 2020 and received recognition by being named to the class of 2020 Vermont’s 40 under 40 Rising Stars. Additionally, Alex recently was awarded the 2021 Young Professional of Year Award in Nonprofit by the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce.
Why are you an ACT Member? Why do you work to support healthy youth?
I am an ACT member because I fully believe in the mission and vision in supporting youth with the intention of preventing and reducing substance use amongst our regions.
What do you love most about living and/or working in Bennington?
Southwest Region of Vermont is a great place to live, work & play. What I love most is the ability to easily get connected to members of our local delegation, volunteer at any organized event, and access to the great outdoors of Vermont.
Top three songs on your current playlist:
- Ricky Martin: I listen to all of his songs
- Justin Quiles X Chimbala X Zion & Lennox: Loco
- Don Omar: Sincero
What are you reading right now?
At the moment, I am not reading any particular books. I’ve been mainly working on continuing education focused on Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Recovery, Prevention and Mental Health First Aid.
What are you doing to support your health and wellness lately?
- Staying connected spiritually (Bible, listening to Sermons, etc.)
- Healthy eating
- And unplugging after work (I have removed my work email from my phone to allow me to disconnect)