Executive Director

Jay M. Hansen is the Prairie Ridge Executive Director.  Mr. Hansen maintains overall responsibility for program operations.  He received his BA degree in social work from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Fall.  Mr. Hansen has over 30 years experience in substance abuse prevention and treatment field.  he has firsthand experience with program operations beginning in 1974.  He had provided counseling, prevention, and supervisory functions until 1980, at which time he was appointed Executive Director.  

Mr. Hansen has guided the organization effectively through program planning and development, facility development, and relocation, two capital fund drives, initial and ongoing licensure, the transition to managed care, as well as community organizational activities.  

Most recently, Mr. Hansen has spearheaded the agency's continuous quality improvement (CQI) effort and is involved in improving program outcomes at Prairie Ridge and statewide.  As an active member of the Iowa Substance Abuse Program Directors' Association (ISAPDA), he serves in various committee and task force capacities to improve the community-based prevention and treatment system in Iowa.