James P. Scordo, Executive Director of Credo Community Center for the Treatment of Addiction. Photo by Justin Sorensen/ NNY Business

Credo director says overall wellness, integrity key to healthy community

After leading Credo Community Center for the Treatment of Addictions for more than two decades, Executive Director James P. Scordo, 55, reflects on the success of the organization’s treatment model as it celebrates its 40th year. Despite the challenges facing nonprofits, Mr. Credo believes a healthy community can be built and sustained through a focus on an individual’s overall wellness. Credo will hold an anniversary celebration on Aug. 1 at 6 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, Watertown.

NNYB: What qualities do you think are important for any leader?
SCORDO: A CEO kind of has to be a jack of all trades, but you need to be a foundation. You need to be a person of integrity—you need to be honest with your clients, your employees ans the people you interact with. You need to be able to lead but step aside and let people do their jobs. You need to empower employees and provide opportunities to grow. The team approach is crucial. As a leader, I look at myself almost like a coach. The best thing I can do is hire good people and surround myself with good people that will help us make the best decisions. We look for quality employees that value the language of our organization and that are going to make a difference in people’s lives.

NNYB: How are you funded?
SCORDO: We get a third of our funds from the state, then we rely on county funds, United Way dollars, donations and various fundraisers. [Read more…]