Bo Brinson

Bo Brinson is a recovery leader, trainer, and systems-change advocate whose work is grounded in lived experience and fueled by a commitment to justice, healing, and community. Raised in Compton, California, Bo grew up facing the adversities of being a biracial middle child and gang involvement before moving to Portland, Oregon at age 13—the same year he entered the juvenile justice system. His path includes three prison sentences, five treatment centers, and countless detox attempts, experiences that now shape his powerful voice in policy and his dedication to building recovery-centered, evidence-based solutions for people impacted by addiction and incarceration. Today, Bo serves as the Executive Director of Oregon Recovers, is a Certified Recovery Mentor II and Forensic Peer, and trains others in both roles. He is also a founding father of the Criminals Anonymous Fellowship (CrimAnon), helping create new pathways for accountability, transformation, and long-term recovery for justice-involved individuals. Bo serves as Vice President of the Clackamas County Mental Health and Addictions Advisory Council, where he helps elevate lived experience in local decision-making. Most importantly, he is a proud husband and father, and a living example that recovery is real, redemption is possible, and systems can change when those most impacted are empowered to lead.