LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions has announced the appointment of Tessa Davidson as the organization’s new executive director, effective as of Jan. 1. Davidson succeeds Julie Dostal, who retired after more than 25 years leading the agency.
According to a LEAF news release, Davidson has been with LEAF since 2019, when she started as a prevention specialist. She earned her bachelor of science degree in public health education from SUNY Brockport in 2019 and her master of public health degree from SUNY Binghamton in 2024.
“Her strong foundation and interest in prevention services align with LEAF’s mission to reduce the onset of substance misuse and addiction,” the release stated. “She is particularly passionate about serving the community where she was raised and where she and her family now live.”
“I am deeply honored to take on the role of executive director of LEAF in my hometown, especially as my team and I continue to build on the incredible foundation laid by Julie Dostal,” Davidson said. “Julie’s leadership and dedication have made a profound impact, and I’m excited to carry forward LEAF’s important work in reducing substance misuse, increasing awareness, and supporting those in recovery. My vision is to ensure that LEAF remains a vital resource for our community, advocating for prevention and providing individuals with the tools they need to thrive.”
Dostal, in addition to being executive director of LEAF, has also been an adjunct instructor at SUNY Oneonta in the Department of Human Ecology. She is a state-certified master trainer and a nationally-certified workplace wellness master trainer. She is a past-president of the national Professional Association of Council Executives and she will continue serving on the board of directors of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependencies, according to the release.
Dostal has also been a speaker who frequently appears at local, state, national and international events, the release stated. She has been recognized as a New York State Woman of Distinction by Sen. James Seward, as Person of the Year by Hometown Oneonta, and as a 60th Anniversary Award recipient from the Otsego County Jail Ministry. She was most recently awarded the 2024 Distinguished Citizen of the Year by the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce.