CYPRESS, TX, February 04, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Leonard Kincaid has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Kincaid's distinguished career in behavioral health and addiction recovery spans more than three decades, marked by visionary leadership and a commitment to innovation. In 2026, he assumed the role of chief executive officer at One Smart Choice LLC, where he continues to advance initiatives that support individuals affected by substance use and mental health challenges. Prior to this, he served as senior development advisor for Houston Recovery Center LGC for a brief period until his retirement as chief executive officer and co-founder of the organization in December 2025.

During his tenure at Houston Recovery Center LGC from 2013 to 2025, Mr. Kincaid was instrumental in establishing the center as a local government corporation under the city of Houston. He led the development of a diversion program for individuals arrested for public intoxication, ensuring they were transported to the center rather than jail. This innovative approach provided safe monitoring until sobriety was achieved and enabled the identification of underlying substance use disorders.

Recognizing the need for comprehensive care, Mr. Kincaid also spearheaded the creation of targeted programs like Partners in Recovery—an 18-month initiative offering screening, assessment, placement in appropriate recovery settings and ongoing supervision through case management and peer support. His focus on long-term support, particularly during the critical first 90 days post-treatment, informed the program's structure and contributed to its success.
In addition, and more recently, he served as a Behavioral Health Consultant to Via Positiva, a National Behavioral Health firm committed to driving innovation in the behavioral health field while improving care access and performance outcomes.

A hallmark of Mr. Kincaid's impact has been his advocacy for integrating peer specialists into behavioral health services in Houston. While a colleague introduced the concept locally, Mr. Kincaid played a pivotal role in expanding its reach throughout the city. Under his leadership, Houston became a model for peer support development beginning in 2015, initially training volunteers using models adapted from Hartford, Connecticut. These efforts evolved into paid peer positions within state-funded programs and inspired many peers to pursue advanced degrees and leadership roles—including major initiatives at institutions like the University of Texas Health Houston – HEROES Program. The success of these programs drew attention from state officials and contributed to the establishment of a certified curriculum for peer specialists across Texas.

From 1989 to 2012, Mr. Kincaid held various executive leadership positions at The Council on Recovery. Over his 23-year tenure, he advanced from intern to senior roles, including program director, vice president, chief operating officer and chief government relations officer. His work at The Council on Recovery laid the foundation for his later achievements in program development and organizational leadership.

Additionally, he leads the Houston Recovery Initiative, a volunteer-driven coalition founded nearly two decades ago to address fragmented funding and strengthen collaboration among service providers. Under his leadership, the coalition has expanded engagement with legislators, influenced local funding strategies, and advanced technology-based solutions to improve access to care. He plans to lead a new campaign highlighting the critical role of peer professionals in the workforce, particularly as seasoned providers retire and the pipeline of new professionals remains limited. Emphasizing the use of technology, the coalition will launch a social media initiative showcasing how individuals with substance use challenges can successfully manage and overcome their conditions when given appropriate support—support that remains inadequate in many communities.

Throughout his career, Mr. Kincaid has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to professional development within the field. He is a graduate of the American Leadership Forum and has served on boards and advisory boards for organizations including the Association of Substance Abuse Providers, the Network of Behavioral Health Providers, Mental Health and Mental Retardation of Haris County, The Salvation Army and the Metro Police Department.

Mr. Kincaid's academic background includes a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in health care management from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, earned in 1997. He also holds a Master of Arts in guidance and counseling from Jackson State University and a Bachelor of Applied Science in health education from Jackson State University. His early experiences as president of his high school and college undergraduate classes, as well as co-founder and president of his graduate school's major's program, demonstrated his natural inclination toward leadership from an early age.

Reflecting on his career, Mr. Kincaid attributes much of his success to the acceptance and support received from colleagues over more than three decades since returning to behavioral health work. Collaboration with community partners and funders has been central to achieving results recognized at state, national and international levels, including awards like the Most Admired CEO by the Houston Business Journal in 2024 and the Facilitation Impact Award from the International Association of Facilitators in 2019.

Outside his professional endeavors, Mr. Kincaid prioritizes spending time with his family, including his children and grandchildren, and enjoys traveling and playing golf as hobbies. Looking ahead, he is dedicated to furthering innovation within behavioral health services—particularly through technology—to reduce barriers and improve accessibility for those seeking care. He takes pride in contributing to advancements that enhance community well-being and hopes these efforts will form an enduring part of his legacy.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

# # #