Special Tree’s Jack Richert, Vice President and Director, Referrals & Admissions, was honored at the annual Brain Injury Association of Michigan’s Legacy Society Tribute Dinner on April 21, 2018 at the Suburban Collection Showplace’s Diamond Center in Novi.

Jack received the Community Service and Leadership Award and was  inducted into the Brain Injury of Michigan’s Legacy Society.  Legacy Society members are recognized for their dedication, leadership, and personal commitment to enhancing the quality of life of persons with brain injury and their families.  Jack is being recognized along with Dr. Michael Andary of Michigan State University.

As the son of Special Tree founders Dr. Joseph and the late Jean Richert, Jack grew up in the world of brain injury rehabilitation.  Jack joined the family business in 1989 to develop Special Tree’s marketing and sales group. In his current role, Jack oversees the corporate census for Special Tree’s subacute, outpatient, and residential programs and provides guidance to clients and family members in the decision-making process from admission through discharge.

Jack’s dedication to the brain injury community extends well beyond his role at Special Tree.  He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Brain Injury Association of Michigan, and has been an enthusiastic contributor to the BIAMI, providing leadership to the Downriver Chapter from 1991-1995.  Additionally, Jack, along with his mother, co-Chaired the annual Charity Auctions, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the BIAMI.  In the fall of 2017, Jack took his dedication and activism to a new level as a competitor in the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan Foundation’s Dancing with our Stars fundraiser for Dance Mobility, Michigan’s only free adaptive ballroom dance program.

As a lifelong resident of Huron Township, Jack has always been a strong community member.   He has been a Trustee on the Board of Education for the Huron School District since 2002 and is currently President of the School Board.  Jack is also a proud veteran of the United States Navy.  During his four years of service, Jack managed staff for the Supreme Allied Command Officer Mess and earned a special assignment to the World Naval Symposium. Jack received several honors from the U.S. Navy including an appointment to NATO with the U. S. Allied Command; a Good Conduct Medal; and a Joint Services Achievement Medal, which was awarded by Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger.

Jack earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Health Administration & Human Behavior from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership and Administration from Concordia University.  He and his wife Christina have been married for 27 years and have three children.

The Spring Tribute Legacy Society Dinner draws more than 1,000 brain injury professionals, legislators, community leaders and supporters from across the state to raise funds for education, advocacy, support treatment services and resources for brain injury survivors and their families.  In addition, the BIAMI hosts a two-week online auction to fund programs for military veterans suffering from traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress injury.  Access the Legacy Auction herefrom April 16 – 28th.