by GRI | Oct 19, 2025 | Board Members
Mötley Crüe Bassist and Songwriter; author of The New York Times bestseller, The Heroin Diaries
Nikki Sixx is a founding member and the bassist of the band Mötley Crüe (over 100 million albums sold worldwide) as well as the author of three New York Times bestselling books, including his memoir The Heroin Diaries, which will debut as a musical in 2021.
He is 18 years sober and has been a dedicated recovery advocate, philanthropist, and public speaker. He is a frequent media contributor to CNN, Fast Company, MSNBC, The Washington Post, The Guardian, and Rolling Stone. He has also spoken to members of Congress for National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, and serves on the Board of the Global Recovery Initiatives Foundation.
by GRI | Oct 19, 2025 | Board Members
WritLarge founder, public relations and corporate communications practitioner, leader, and innovator.
WritLarge founder Jonathan Ghent has spent more than 25 years as a public relations and corporate communications practitioner, leader, and innovator. Throughout his career, he has been a trusted advisor and principal strategist for senior executives with some of the world’s most iconic brands.
Ghent has excelled in a variety of disciplines, including public relations, employee communications, marketing communications, and video production. He has enjoyed working in fast-paced, highly competitive environments, such as the National Basketball Association, Xerox Corporation, Kodak Alaris, Common Ground Health and for clients including the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Ghent earned a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. He is currently a member of Rochester Institute of Technology’s Advertising & Public Relations Advisory Board.
by GRI | Oct 19, 2025 | Board Members
Director of FMG SERV, Fors Marsh Group
Matt Escoubas is the Director of Social Impact at FORS Marsh, a research-first communications agency. With over 25 years of experience in marketing communications across federal, corporate, and nonprofit sectors, Matt leads Serve, the company’s employee-driven division addressing systemic social inequities.
His primary focus is improving recovery services and support for individuals with substance use disorders. Matt spearheads a multi-year research investment aimed at mobilizing public and private organizations to prioritize workplace recovery initiatives. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with multiple federal health agencies, including HHS, SAMHSA, NIDA, CDC, ONDCP, FDA, and NIAAA, on public health campaigns spanning substance use, heart disease, asthma, smoking cessation, nursing research, and pediatric palliative care.
A purpose-driven leader, Matt’s efforts have garnered numerous public health industry accolades, such as the PR News Platinum Award, Bronze Anvil Award, National Health Information Awards, and Thoth Awards. He serves on the board of the Global Recovery Initiatives Foundation (GRI) and is an active member of Al-Anon. Matt holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The George Washington University.
by GRI | Oct 19, 2025 | Board Members
Executive Director, Center for African American Recovery Development; Founder, LivingWell Project
As Executive Director of the Center for African American Recovery Development and the Founder of the LivingWell Project, Nyla Christian brings her profound personal experience and professional expertise to drive significant advancements in recovery advocacy, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Nyla is a Nationally Certified Intervention Professional, Peer Recovery Specialist, and Life Empowerment Coach. She has been a vocal advocate for women, focusing on social advocacy, peer leadership, and providing life-building support for women in underserved communities. Her role as the Founder and CEO of Life Inspired Development has been instrumental in guiding stakeholders in building community-based, inclusive and culturally congruent support programs for behavioral health and wellness.
Nyla’s educational journey includes studies at Wesleyan University and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and certifications from The Addictions Academy and NAADAC. She has been recognized by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National Civic League and has made significant contributions as the Lead of the City of Las Vegas’ Mayor’s Faith Initiative Addiction & Recovery Task Force. Currently, she holds a position on the board of directors for both the Vegas Stronger Coalition and Los Angeles’ Painted Brain, reinforcing her dedication to empowering community voices.
A passionate music enthusiast and talented dancer, Nyla cherishes her marriage to her college sweetheart and delights in their three remarkable sons’ global adventures. Additionally, she dedicates her time to mentoring women all over the country, guiding them in personal growth and helping them realize their dreams.
Recognized as a powerful keynote and inspirational speaker, Nyla Christian panels as an industry subject matter expert and conference moderator dedicated to creating positive change through her advocacy in recovery coaching, training, education, community cultural awareness, and social advocacy.
by GRI | Oct 19, 2025 | Board Members
GRI Chair – Director at PricewaterhouseCoopers; CPA
Tom Berkery is a Director at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) where he serves in their Capital Markets and Accounting Advisory Services (CMAAS) group.
Tom helps advise large corporations, private equity investors, and investment bankers on complex accounting and financial reporting issues associated with mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other corporate finance transactions.
He is a CFA charter holder, and a licensed CPA in the state of New York. He currently lives in Brooklyn.
