Dr. Christine North to Lead Jesus House Oklahoma City

Veteran public health advocate to lead organization into a new era of impact and transformation

Jesus House Oklahoma City announced today that Dr. Christine North, a respected public health educator and advocate, has been named President and CEO. Dr. North previously served as Program Director, where she strengthened program structure, expanded partnerships, and enhanced the evidence-based recovery model that defines Jesus House today.

Under her leadership, Jesus House will continue to grow as one of Oklahoma City’s only long-term residential recovery programs, helping up to 55 men and women at a time rebuild their lives from addiction and hardship. The program’s goal is lasting transformation—residents leave substance-free, confident, and equipped with the tools to live healthy, productive lives.

“Dr. North’s commitment to recovery and her passion for people are extraordinary,” said Michael Lovero, Chairman of the Board for the Jesus House. “Her leadership, vision, and background in health communication make her the ideal person to take Jesus House to the next level by strengthening our mission and expanding our reach.”

Dr. North has spent nearly 30 years advancing public health through teaching, advocacy, and service across the U.S. and abroad, including a decade volunteering in the Dominican Republic. She is also a former President of the Patient Advocate Certification Board and maintains her patient advocate certification.

“I absolutely love working at Jesus House,” said Dr. North. “This place changes lives in the most profound ways. Every resident is on a courageous journey to rebuild their future, and I’m honored to walk alongside them. The transformation that happens here—physically, mentally, and spiritually—is truly inspiring.”

Since joining Jesus House in 2023, Dr. North has led several key initiatives, including:

• Securing certification by the Oklahoma Alliance of Recovery Resources as a Level III facility
• Revamping the Life Transformation Program to align with evidence-based best practices
• Introducing peer recovery specialists to staff roles
• Developing a recovery-specific grief curriculum in partnership with Calm Waters
• Expanding community and agency partnerships to increase wraparound services for residents

“I love this work with all my heart,” Dr. North added. “At Jesus House, we see people move from surviving to truly living again. Watching residents regain hope, faith, and stability reminds me why this mission matters so deeply—and why I’m so passionate about leading it forward.”

Dr. North succeeds longtime President and CEO Jim Hopper, who continues serving Oklahomans in his new role at the Area-Wide Aging Agency.