LEEDS, MA, August 25, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ --William R. Hairston, a retired Head Counselor of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, has been named Cambridge Who's Who Professional of the Year in Addiction Counseling. While inclusion in the Cambridge Who's Who Registry is an honor, only two male and two female members in each discipline are named professionals of the year. The Cambridge Who's Who selection committee chooses these special honorees based on their professional accomplishments, academic achievements and leadership abilities.

William R. Hairston is a retired head counselor of the US Department of Veterans Affairs, where he provided mental health counseling to veterans and their families. His specialties included treating patients with addiction problems (to drugs, alcohol and/or gambling), supervising counselors, coordinating programs, and participating in community outreach. Proud to have stayed clean and sober for the last 39 years, Mr. Hairston knows a thing or two about reaching out to victims of addiction. He is a positive role model who attributes his success to honesty and conviction - qualities that are sorely lacking in this day and age. "The only way you are going to believe in yourself is to be honest about what's really happening," he explains. "It's amazing because you'll find out that you are not the only one."

A person with such a strong dedication to helping others will tell you that their job is difficult, but Mr. Hairston remains committed to improving the lives of others. He has received 20 national awards and is a public speaker about the dangers of substance abuse and addiction. The Hairston House, which was named in his honor, was erected in Northampton, MA to provide halfway house services and drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Residential long-term treatment is also available to those requiring enhanced support. For Spanish speakers and the hearing-impaired, additional language assistance is provided. Additionally, individuals requiring financial assistance can benefit from a sliding fee scale on a case-by-case basis.

Mr. Hairston, who reads Counselor: The Magazine for Addiction Professionals, is a member of the Massachusetts Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors and the NAADAC - The Association For Addiction Professionals.

In his spare time, Mr. Hairston enjoys playing softball, music, jogging and practicing martial arts. A citizen with a vested interest in the spiritual well-being of his community, he serves as a deacon of his local college church.

About Cambridge Who's Who
With over 400,000 members representing every major industry, Cambridge Who's Who is a powerful networking resource that enables professionals to outshine their competition, in part through effective branding and marketing. Cambridge Who's Who employs similar public relations techniques to those utilized by Fortune 500 companies and makes them cost-effective for members who seek to take advantage of its career enhancement and business advancement services. Cambridge is pleased to welcome its new Executive Director of Global Branding and Networking, Donald Trump Jr., who is eager to share his extensive experience in this arena with members.

Cambridge Who's Who membership provides individuals with a valuable third party endorsement of their accomplishments and gives them the tools needed to brand themselves and their businesses effectively. In addition to publishing biographies in print and electronic form, it offers an online networking platform where members can establish new professional relationships.

Headquartered in Long Island's premier office building, RXR Plaza, the Cambridge Who's Who staff spans more than 10 departments and comprises a team of nearly 200 highly skilled and dedicated employees. Together they work to provide members with the recognition and exposure needed to further their careers, expand their businesses and network effectively in an economy where referrals are more important than ever.

For more information, please visit http://www.cambridgeregistry.com.

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