Revolutionizing recovery with a clinical/social approach to sobriety!
Whitney Rogers-Founder/Executive Director
Whitney’s investment at The Lazarus Project of Knoxville originates from a sincere desire to minister to broken individuals who struggle with addictions and/or the clinical/legal struggles that often prevent individuals from becoming productive members of society.
Whitney’s contribution is extended via professional training and experience acquired over the past 15 years that includes a combination of work experience and educational accomplishments. She currently holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee in Criminal Justice, a master’s degree from Liberty University in Professional Counseling, a master’s degree from Regent University in Organizational Leadership and is a doctoral candidate at Regent University.
Whitney’s prior employment experiences further aide in her ability to ensure residents have access to the appropriate resources required to be successful. She has been fortunate to hold positions with several medical and behavioral health care providers, community health and indigent care facilities, the Knoxville Police Department, the Tennessee Department of Correction, and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Deniese James, Co-Founder/Health Advocate/Finance
Deniese is a nurse and professional coder that has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. More specifically, her areas of experience include administration and management of physician private practices, urgent care facilities, Community Health Centers and in-patient facilities focusing on medical, behavioral health, substance abuse and adult education.
Deniese also serves with previous experience with the Virginia Department of Corrections. Her passion is driven by experience with a family member who struggled with addiction and the consequences she faced as a child.
Richard James-Chief Resident Officer
Richard offers a unique contribution to both the residents and staff at The Lazarus Project.
Richard proudly served 20 years in the United States Army and understands the importance of developing a standard of living when maintaining sobriety.
His lengthy employment history with local community health centers and indigent care facilities affords him the ability to identify with the silos individuals with addictions face when attempting to access care.
Richard is commissioned as an elder with the Church of God and possesses an unorthodox, divinely appointed ability to connect with residents and minister to their spiritual needs.
Lee Rogers-Executive Housing Director
Lee manages the housing staff and executes all resident operations within The Lazarus Project of Knoxville. He offers a unique contribution in guiding both staff and residents while on their path to sobriety, a contribution that originates from a historical struggle with addiction on a personal level.
Lee genuinely understands the mental and emotional obstacles present in overcoming an addictive lifestyle and operates as a testament of success while willing to share his journey as a form of mentorship in efforts to provide support and corrective guidance when required.
Randall Carter-Housing & Facilities Manager
Randall manages the day-to-day housing operations within The Lazarus Project of Knoxville properties. He also offers his own personal success story as a testimony to encourage and counsel residents in taking ownership of their own treatment plans.
As a 2022 graduate of the intensive program, Randall also serves as a resident community liaison for the organization.
Brandon Lance- Resident & Fleet Manager
Brandon is a 2023 graduate of the year-long intensive program which he completed on his own initiative. Brandon has served within the organization as a House Supervisor and upon successful completion of the program, Brandon transitioned to full time service as the organization's Transportation Specialist.
Brandon's dedication and hard work resulted in his promotion to Resident & Fleet manager in July 2023. Brandon not only manages the organizational transport schedule as well as the fleet and the drivers that serve within the program but serves as an additional mentor and peer counselor to current residents alongside the supervision team.
His personal success story serves as a motivational factor for both residents and staff and his willingness to give back into the program unveils his heart and passion to assist others who fight the same or similar struggles he has persevered to overcome.
