In the ever-evolving world of addiction treatment and mental health advocacy, few figures have had as profound an impact as Nanette Zumwalt. With nearly 30 years of experience and a reputation for innovation, integrity, and unwavering dedication, she stands as a true pioneer in the behavioral health field. Today, she is internationally recognized as one of the top interventionists in the world—a voice of clarity and compassion for individuals and families navigating the darkest moments of addiction and mental illness.
From Psychiatric Care to Global Influence
Nanette’s journey began in the trenches of inpatient psychiatric care, where she worked as a direct care technician. It was here that her innate empathy and keen insight into human behavior began to shape her mission. Over the years, she rose through the ranks of leading therapeutic programs, eventually discovering a critical gap in care: the transitional period between treatment stages where relapse is most likely.
Determined to fill that void, she founded Hired Power in 2002—an organization that would revolutionize recovery support services. Under her leadership, the company introduced the now-industry-standard concept of sober companions and clinically supervised transitional support. Today, Hired Power remains the gold standard in recovery services, trusted by treatment professionals and families alike.
A Vision Rooted in Ethics and Education
Nanette’s influence extends far beyond service delivery. A strong believer in ethics, education, and accountability, she co-founded the International Recovery Institute in 2015 with Dr. Judith Landau. Their mission: raise the bar for direct care professionals and companions. Together, they developed a groundbreaking training curriculum, now recognized by NAADAC and soon to be endorsed by multiple credentialing organizations worldwide.
Her credentials reflect a career steeped in both theory and practice. She is an International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Level II Clinical Supervisor (ICADC II-CS), Certified Intervention Professional (CIP), Certified ARISE Interventionist (CAI), and International Certified Criminal Justice Professional (ICCJP). She is also a long-standing member of CCAPP and AIS, and a recent past board member of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Programs (NAATP). Nanette stepped away from the NAATP Board to focus on a new passion: kidney patient advocacy.
Together with fellow communicators and advocates, she co-founded the Circle of CORE Kidney Foundation—a nonprofit dedicated to empowering and supporting individuals navigating kidney-related health challenges. While that’s a separate chapter in her impactful journey, it speaks to her enduring commitment to serving communities in need.
Leading with Heart and Experience
Behind her extensive qualifications lies a deeply personal connection to the work. Nanette’s advocacy for recovery is not only professional—it’s personal. Having witnessed addiction’s impact on her own family, she brings an unmatched sincerity to her work with individuals, families, and institutions. Her passion has led her to national stages, media appearances, and features in top publications. Among her many accolades are the Top 10 Interventionists in the U.S. recognition by QuitAlcohol.com and a service award from California Assemblyman Jim Morrissey.
Nanette is also a trusted speaker, invited to address pressing topics in addiction and mental health at major conferences and events across the country. Her voice carries weight not because of her title, but because of her consistent integrity, practical insight, and authentic compassion.
A Legacy Beyond the Office
While her professional achievements are monumental, Nanette’s favorite title might be “Grandma.” When she’s not changing lives through Hired Power or raising standards at the International Recovery Institute, she cherishes time with her grandchildren, traveling with her husband, Rick, cooking, and discovering new places with her close-knit family.
A Beacon in Behavioral Health
Nanette Zumwalt is not just a leader—she’s a builder of bridges between pain and healing, crisis and clarity. Her work reimagines what recovery can look like: personalized, ethically grounded, deeply human, and always evolving. In an industry that’s often reactive, Nanette stands as a proactive force—driving change, inspiring excellence, and helping people reclaim their lives with dignity and hope.
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