About Us
Nick’s Ride 4 Friends is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization committed to the fight against substance use disorders.
Our Story
Nick Campagnola who lost his fight with addiction in December 2015 at 20 years of age. Nick’s struggle with addiction began as a teen, when a sports injury was treated with painkillers. This slowly grew into a heroin addiction. In his unfortunate relapse, an overdose on a mixture of fentanyl and synthetic acid led to Nick’s death.
Nick was a good kid with a big heart and a friend to all. He is missed by many and remembered through this organization and the work we do.
Our Work
Nick’s Ride 4 Friends bridges the gap from clinical to peer support through a grassroots approach that begins by first helping those battling addiction find the best treatment plan most suitable for them. We facilitate communication during the rehabilitation process between the individual, their family, and clinical/therapeutic staff. Our Clubhouse provides a soft landing after rehabilitation through general acts of kindness that include—but aren’t limited to—assisting with housing placement, employment assistance, linkage to transportation, and maintaining a safe haven & supportive environment. We also offer wrap-around support, case management, and are committed to working as a life coach to help those in recovery fully acclimate to becoming active members of the community. All of this is made possible through generous donations and volunteerism as we facilitate ongoing peer-based community engagement.
Our Approach
We take a boots-on-the ground approach to help the people who need us most, and we rely on your donations and spirit of generous volunteerism to remain operational and make an impact. Our goal is to provide programs that meet the needs of those struggling with addiction and make a difference by concentrating on recovery, wellness, and job searching.
Using a clubhouse model, we enable people battling addiction to feel comfortable while working on their journey to recovery, surrounded by peers and supporters. We are truly committed to helping people become acclimated members of the community again.
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Liz Smith
Board President
Liz brings invaluable not-for-profit administrative experience to our board having served as the CEO of Unity House of Cayuga County Inc. for many years. Now in retirement she has elected to give her time and expertise to help support and grow our Organization and Mission. As the former CEO of Unity House, Liz has worked closely with the Organization and assisted in a establishing a crucial partnership with Unity House which allows for long term sustainability of Peer Services. Liz is committed to the Auburn community and to helping those suffering from substance use disorders find their pathway to recovery.
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Mike Finizio
Vice President
Mike has had an extensive background in business-to-business sales for many years. As the Business Development Manager at HR One, Mr. Finizio’s responsibilities are to consult with clients of various sizes in all industries to analyze their business needs and determine areas of improvement.
Mike is an avid advocate for our Recovery Community and passionate in supporting our Mission.
Mike is a member of the Syracuse Executives Association, a Master Freemason and an active member at Auburn Lodge # 124.
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Rick Hansinger
Treasurer
Previously, Rick held the position of interim executive director for Nick’s Ride 4 Friends Inc. from 2020 through 01/2022 bringing with him 30 years of leadership experience. During his tenure, Rick successfully supported the Organization’s move from its original location to 13 Chapel Street where he oversaw logistics and renovations to the historic site. we now call home. Rick’s contributions ensured both the Organization’s credibility and sustainability of operations, eventually naming the current executive director. Rick returned in 2025 as board treasurer and maintains extensive experience and knowledge in managing and growing not-for-profit budgets. Rick is well known for his work as the executive director of E. John Gavras Center where his transformative leadership developed the Center into what it is today. At his core, Rick is a committed community member, leader and family man vested in supporting vulnerable populations living within our communities.
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Dr. Adam Duckett
Director
Adam has served on our Board since 2017 and brings with him a wealth of experience relative to his work as a family physician and vast knowledge of addiction medicine. In addition to being the Medical Director for East Hill Medical Center, he serves as the Cayuga County Coroner and deeply understands the complexities related to overdose deaths in Cayuga County. He is a passionate ally of the recovery community and steadfast in upholding his Hippocratic Oath.
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M. Benjamin Susman, JD
Director
Ben joined the board in 2023 brining with him his expertise as a practicing attorney. Ben wears many hats in the legal arena not the least of which is his role as a defense attorney wherein he represents many individuals who have struggled with substance use disorders and have subsequently become entangled in the legal system. Ben is an advocate for treatment and supportive of our local Recovery Community. Ben as an attorney , is known for being both honest and fair to those he represents. Ben is a family man who is committed to his professional work and bettering his community through action.
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Mark Pineau
Director
Mark is a Captain for the Auburn Fire Department where he has worked for the past 25 years, he is also co-owner of CNY Party Rentals. Mark Attended Cayuga Community College followed by SUNY Oswego where he obtained a B.A. in Biology. After college he spent a year in the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps stationed in Denver CO. “Seeing the opioid crisis from the vantage point of being a first responder as well as how it has had implications on my immediate family led me to join NR4F. The organization has an approach that has been very effective within our community and it has been an honor to serve on the Board.”
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Brian Schenck
Director
Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck has served as the former board chair for Nick’s Ride 4 Friends from 2023 through 2025. He has worked closely with the organization since its founding and remains committed to keeping our communities safe and helping those suffering from substance use disorders. He brings nearly 29 years of law enforcement and administrative experience to the board and a passion to help those in our community that need us most.
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Dr. Jerimy Blowers, Ph.D.
Director
Dr. Jerimy Blowers is a professor and Coordinator of Wellness and Intervention Services at Cayuga Community College. He earned his doctorate in Health Psychology with a specialization in Behavioral Medicine and is currently credentialed as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York State. His experience with substance use prevention and services spans a 27-year career, instructing on the topic, assisting Federal and local law enforcement and collaborating community agencies. He strives to raise awareness of substance use, decrease stigma, and offer hope to those struggling in our community.
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Matt Chalanick
Director
Matt is the owner of The Real Estate Company and has been part of the organization since its inception as is its longest standing board member. Former, Chair and Vice Chair, Matt developed a special and close connection to the Organization’s Founder and his vision to create a safe space for people in recovery, increase community awareness around the disease of addiction and to build community around a shared purpose. “Today, I continue to serve on the board, immensely proud of the organization’s remarkable journey, and enduring impact on the lives it touches.”
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Melanie Tracy
Director
Melanie Tracy has been working in Construction for over 17 years, serving as a Project Manager for Rich & Gardner Construction since 2018. Melanie brings her expertise in construction and maintenance to ensure that staff, volunteers, and visitors, have a safe and comfortable environment.
“After working with Nick’s Ride during the renovation of the 2nd floor, I was so impressed with the staff and volunteers serving the organization and how committed they are to helping the community. Watching people I know struggle with substance use disorders made me feel helpless, so I was inspired to try and help support the mission that everyone at Nick’s Ride is so passionate about.”
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Demetrius Murphy
Director
Demetrius is a distinguished banking professional with an illustrious career spanning over two decades in the financial industry. Currently the Regional Bank Manager for Lyon’s National Bank, Demetrius fosters a deep-rooted commitment to community which extends beyond his professional endeavors, as evidenced by his active involvement in numerous non-profit organizations. Demetrius serves on the boards of several impactful organizations, including Nick’s Ride 4 Friends Inc. His leadership and passion for creating positive change underscore his unwavering commitment to nurturing growth and prosperity within the local community.
Scholarships
Wrestling “UNDERDOG” Scholarship:
Honoring Nick Campagnola’s love of wrestling and unwavering support for the “underdog,” an annual $500 scholarship is awarded to two senior Auburn High School wrestlers to help further his or her education. The scholarships are awarded to wrestlers who have demonstrated leadership on and off the mat, participated in general acts of kindness, and are passionate about the sport.
Wrestling Camp Scholarship:
We award a $1000 scholarship to help alleviate some costs associated with student and coach participation in the annual wrestling camp hosted by Champions for Life. The annual Champions for Life wrestling camp focuses on skills development and conditioning work.