Dr. Che Jordan is helping to reshape behavioral healthcare at Ebony House with hands-on leadership, community-focused programs, and meaningful support services.

The healthcare sector is often defined by statistics and protocols, making it rare to find a leader who puts people first. Dr. Che Jordan is that kind of leader. As President of Ebony House Inc., he has built a strong reputation for action, compassion, and progress. His focus isn’t just on numbers or operations; it’s on lives.

Dr. Jordan stepped into this role in December 2022 during a time of crisis. Facilities across Arizona were closing, services were being reduced, and hope was running low. But under his leadership, Ebony House not only stayed open; it navigated those challenges and achieved measurable growth. With a high client satisfaction rate and growing community engagement, Dr. Jordan is demonstrating how behavioral healthcare can evolve to better serve communities.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Ebony House Inc., based in Phoenix, Arizona, has served the community for over 50 years. It was founded in 1973 by Elbertzena Fontinote, a woman who knew the struggle of addiction firsthand. With only $500, she built what would become a pivotal behavioral health organization in the state.

Today, that mission is in capable hands. Dr. Jordan brings new energy to the work that Elbertzena Fontinote began. He calls it “servant leadership,” a hands-on, heart-led approach to helping people heal. With a daily presence at Ebony House, he meets clients at the door, joins them for meals, plays basketball with them, and attends therapy sessions. It’s all part of building trust. His dedication contributed to his recognition as “Most Trusted Black Leader in Health Innovation, 2025” by CToday Awards.

Supporting a Better Path Forward

Ebony House offers a wide range of behavioral health services:

• substance use treatment
• youth counseling
• HIV prevention

These services are about managing conditions and supporting people as they rebuild their lives. Programs are customized for men, women, and youth. There’s also outpatient care and free supported housing for those who have completed residential programs.

Dr. Jordan has helped expand these programs even further.

Residential Services: He’s worked to grow residential services and developed plans for emergency housing for veterans and people living with HIV. These programs provide a safe space for individuals to begin again without the stress of rent or food insecurity.

Job Guidance and Hunting: His approach extends beyond treatment. Clients are provided with suits for job interviews, guidance on re-entering society, and support systems to help maintain stability. It’s a full-circle approach—one that underscores the belief that recovery includes rebuilding self-worth and opportunity.

Leading with Purpose and Presence

Dr. Jordan’s leadership style is deeply personal. He believes healthcare should be about connection, dignity, and consistency. As he puts it, “The disease doesn’t have a day off, so I don’t either. I was put on this planet to serve people.”

His commitment has been acknowledged through various recognitions. Dr. Jordan has been featured on the cover of CIO Today as one of the “Top 5 Personalities Driving Impact in 2024.” He was also named one of the Top 100 Innovators and Entrepreneurs and contributed to Ebony House, earning a place on Business Fortune’s list of the 30 Most Admired Companies. Ebony House has also been recognized across Cox Media Networks and named among the Best Businesses in America for two consecutive years.

But awards are not his primary focus. It’s the people who matter most. Since taking over, Dr. Jordan has formed new partnerships with local governments and organizations to expand access to care. His work to support underserved populations, especially those without insurance, has brought much-needed resources to individuals and families across Arizona.

A Strong Foundation and a Thoughtful Future

Chairman of the board, Dr. Gene Blue, who’s been with Ebony House for 45 years, describes Dr. Jordan as someone who honors the past while building the future.

That mission remains clear: healing, growth, and community. Substance treatment, behavioral counseling, or support for those with HIV/AIDS—Ebony House delivers care with intention and heart.

Summary

As behavioral health challenges continue to rise across the country, the work being done at Ebony House under Dr. Jordan’s leadership provides a valuable and compassionate model. A model that emphasizes people, not just problems. And one that highlights how leadership can be effective when rooted in empathy and action.

With such commitment and care, Dr. Che Jordan is not just managing a healthcare organization—he’s guiding a movement focused on building healthier, more supported communities.

Published by Jeremy S.