Leadership Through Stewardship
At Man Alive, Inc., strong governance is the foundation of our mission. For nearly six decades, Man Alive’s Board of Directors has provided the leadership and stewardship necessary to support one of the nation’s oldest and most respected medication-assisted treatment programs in the country.
The Board works in partnership with the Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer to advance Man Alive’s mission, uphold the highest ethical standards, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization.
Our Board members generously volunteer their time, expertise, and leadership in support of our vision of transforming lives through recovery with trust, compassion, and dignity.
Board Members
Karen Reese, M.A., CAC-AD
Executive Director & CEO
Serving Man Alive since 1975, Karen Reese, M.A., CAC-AD, has dedicated her career to transforming lives through compassionate, innovative, and person-centered care. A visionary leader and “pollinator of minds,” she believes every individual has the capacity to heal, grow, and Color Their World Differently. Throughout her career, Karen has combined evidence-based practices with creativity, imagination, and emerging technologies to inspire hope and expand the possibilities of recovery. She is the Co-Founder of the Imagination Lab and Founder of The Ambassador Series, initiatives that have enriched recovery through the arts, education, and community engagement. Her leadership has been recognized with numerous honors, including The Daily Record’s Maryland’s Top 100 Women, the prestigious Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Fellowship, and the Nyswander/Dole “Marie” Award, recognizing her lifetime contributions to the field of opioid treatment and recovery.
When she isn’t leading Man Alive, Karen can often be found surrounded by family and friends, supporting animal welfare causes, exploring new destinations, or seeking inspiration through lifelong learning. She believes that the richest life is one built on compassion, curiosity, meaningful relationships, and the courage to continually Color Your World Differently.
Leonard Sacks
Board Chair
Leonard (Lenny) Sacks, CPA, CFF, CVA, CIRA, CDBV is a graduate of the University of Baltimore with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Lenny is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and is Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) and Certified in Distressed Business Valuation (CDBV), as well as a Certified Global Management Accountant (CGMA), a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) and a Certified Insolvency and Restructuring Advisor (CIRA). He is a longtime member of Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, reflecting his deep commitment to faith, community, and service to others.
For decades, he has been our steady hand at the helm, helping steer Man Alive through changing tides, periods of challenge and growth, and an ever-evolving healthcare landscape. While ensuring that evidence-based practices remained the foundation of our care, he also understood that innovation requires the courage to think differently. He enthusiastically supported the concept of “Color Your World Differently.” His brain power is significant, but his heart is larger than one can ever imagine.
When he is not working with leadership, his personal life is filled with a home that matches his shining light. He is a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, and guardian of all four-leggeds who cross his path. Lenny’s unwavering support of Man Alive stems from a steadfast character that has made a difference in countless lives. He does not seek recognition or applause; he simply believes that when you can make someone’s life a little better, you do it. That quiet generosity of spirit may be his greatest legacy of all.
Olivia Farrow
Vice Chair
Olivia serves as the Vice President of External Affairs at Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital.
Ms. Farrow built a distinguished career with the Baltimore City Health Department, where she served as Interim Health Commissioner, testified before the United States Congress, and held a role as a prosecutor. During her tenure, she launched a first-in-the-nation food access initiative and oversaw development projects advancing behavioral health and housing stability programs.
Ms. Farrow currently serves as Vice President of External Affairs at Ascension St. Agnes Hospital, where she leads the government relations portfolio and drives strategic community engagement. Since joining St. Agnes, she has spearheaded several innovative programs, including a hospital-legal services partnership for older adults, a violence prevention program, a behavioral health initiative, and the Chaperone program which enhances older adults’ access to medical care. Her work has further positioned St. Agnes as a cornerstone anchor institution within the community development landscape. Ms. Farrow also serves as co-chair for the Mayor’s Commission on Aging and sits on the boards of multiple Baltimore-based nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving patient and community health outcomes.
A native of Buffalo, New York, she remains an avid Buffalo Bills fan.
Shari Elliker
Board Member, Secretary/Treasurer
Shari Elliker is a veteran media professional, broadcaster, actor, and communications specialist with decades of experience in radio, television, public affairs, and storytelling. Her broadcast career includes hosting and co-hosting programs on WBAL 1090 AM, KIRO FM in Seattle, SiriusXM, and WHFS 99.1 FM, where she built a reputation for engaging interviews, smart conversation, and an authentic connection with audiences. A two-time Associated Press Best Talk Show award recipient, Shari has also worked extensively in television, voice-over, podcasting, and live performance.
Beyond broadcasting, Shari served as Director of Communications & Volunteer Services for the Maryland Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services, overseeing media relations, public messaging, speechwriting, video production, and communications for statewide initiatives. Her experience has put her alongside government leaders, law enforcement, political candidates, nonprofit organizations, and other public-facing professionals navigating everything from everyday media opportunities to high-pressure communications.
