CODAC Health, Recovery & Wellness, a leading mental health and substance use treatment organization, is pleased to announce the appointment of Lieutenant Ericka Stropka to its Board of Directors. Stropka, currently serving with the Tucson Police Department (TPD), brings over two decades of law enforcement experience and a strong commitment to community well-being.
Stropka’s interest in joining CODAC’s board was born after her involvement in the collaborative Substance Use Resource Team (SURT), a nationally recognized alternative to traditional law enforcement responses to individuals with substance use disorders or mental health concerns.
“I saw firsthand the commitment to making our community a better place,” said Stropka. “Each person at CODAC that I interacted with while working in the deflection program was just as committed to helping the community,” she said.
Stropka began her distinguished career with the Tucson Police Department in 1999 and has held various roles that exhibit her dedication to public service. In her current role as Patrol Lieutenant in Operations Division Midtown, Stropka oversees critical aspects of law enforcement operations, utilizing her leadership skills and ability to navigate complex situations. She is also the program manager for a collaborative city effort focused on reducing gun crime violence in central Tucson. Her supervisory experiences include serving as a full-time Hostage Negotiation and Rapid Response Team sergeant, where she played a key role in implementing the Community Network Team (CNT).
Demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to addressing community needs, Stropka’s dedication is further evidenced by her goal of removing barriers for people needing access to resources, like CODAC. “I believe very much in the fact that CODAC is trying to make our community a safer, healthier place.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Lieutenant Ericka Stropka to CODAC’s Board of Directors,” said Tere LeBarron, board chair. “Her extensive experience in law enforcement, crisis intervention, and community outreach aligns seamlessly with our mission to provide comprehensive wellness and recovery services. We look forward to benefiting from Lieutenant Stropka’s valuable insights and leadership on our board.”
This appointment to CODAC’s Board of Directors reinforces the organization’s commitment to diverse perspectives and community collaboration.