Strike Out the Stigma

Zac Clark is a mental health, wellness, and addiction recovery advocate, motivational speaker, philanthropist, and business executive who founded and serves as CEO of Release Recovery: a full-service substance use disorder and mental health organization - with multiple facilities throughout New York - that offers transitional living, individual, group, and family therapy, and other essential recovery support services.

Zac is also the founding board member of the Release Foundation, which provides scholarships for addiction and mental health treatment to those who need it but otherwise couldn't afford it. The foundation has also built Team Release: a community of allies - sober or not - standing ready to support and lift up anybody in or seeking recovery.

Zac also serves on the board of trustees of Caron Treatment Centers, an internationally renowned organization dedicated to addiction and behavioral healthcare and treatment - and where Zac began his own recovery journey 12 years ago.

In 2020, Zac came to widespread acclaim by openly addressing his addiction and recovery on ABC's "The Bachelorette." He uses his large platform to spread hope and raise awareness - especially among young people - about the crucial mental health and addiction issues that plague our country today.

Zac has partnered with global brands, including Reebok, Rhone, Poland Spring, and Under Armour. He grew up in Haddonfield, NJ, is a die-hard Philadelphia sports fan and sneakerhead, played college baseball, and has seen his favorite band Pearl Jam play more than 30 times. He¡¯s finished 13 marathons, as well as completed the coveted Goggins Challenge - raising nearly two million dollars in the process on behalf of Release Recovery Foundation and Caron Foundation.

As Phillies Ambassador, Scott is involved in various aspects of the club, including fan engagement and Phillies Charities, Inc. He also can be found at the podium, hosting news conferences and other special events for the organization.

In 2016, Scott was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, which honors the lifetime sports contributions of Pennsylvanians. Scott is also a proud member of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia.

Prior to joining the Phillies in 2005, Scott was an anchor and sportscaster at WPVI-6ABC in Philadelphia for over 24 years.

Dr. James is the founder and CEO of George Talks, LLC, a communication and consulting company. He is a licensed marriage and family therapist, executive coach, corporate & media consultant, relationship & parenting expert, and mental health ambassador. In addition, he is an Assistant Professor for the Couple and Family Therapy Program at Thomas Jefferson University. He has spoken and consulted with multiple businesses, media production companies, organizations, universities, and places of faith.

Dr. James has been a recurring expert guest on radio, television, podcasts, and online programs including The TODAY Show (12+ appearances), CBS Mornings, CNBC, Nickelodeon, NBC News Daily, NBC News Now, Home & Family (Hallmark), Good Day LA, Good Day Philadelphia, iHeartradio, and many others. He is the host of LEAPCAST podcast where he speaks with Leaders, Entertainers, Athletes & Performers. He works extensively with professional athletes, entertainers, adult men and women, executives, couples, and young adult men on various issues, including adulting, career, anxiety, work-life balance, love life, leadership, parenting, depression, and communication.

Dr. James has done extensive consulting work (including script & project review, facilitation of difficult conversations, content & resource development, advice on mental health, relationships, parenting, family, race/culture, and the intersection of these topics) with companies including Paramount Global (Nickelodeon/Nick Jr), Google, Wavelength Productions, and others.

Dr. James attended Villanova University as a Presidential Scholar where he met his wife, Candace. They are parents to their creative & inspiring children, Nalani, and Alexander.