Afet Kilinc, Ph.D., PCC-S, MACC Board Member
This month, MACC is pleased to spotlight Board Member Afet Kilinc, Ph.D., PCC-S, Executive Director of the Alcohol and Drug Freedom Center of Knox County. Afet brings more than 25 years of experience in behavioral health, healthcare administration, accreditation, managed care, and public service. Her professional expertise and personal experiences have shaped her commitment to improving systems of care, reducing barriers, and advancing culturally responsive behavioral health services across Ohio.
Background and Professional Experience
Afet currently serves as Executive Director of the Alcohol and Drug Freedom Center of Knox County, where she leads a dedicated team working to expand access to quality behavioral health treatment services in a rural community. Before joining the Freedom Center in 2019, Afet served as Director of Behavioral Health for Aetna Better Health of Ohio. In that role, she helped implement Ohio’s Dual Medicare and Medicaid Managed Care Demonstration.
Afet is a Professional Clinical Counselor and earned her doctorate in Counselor Education from The Ohio State University. Throughout her career, she has remained passionate about improving systems of care and strengthening communities through collaboration.
Born and raised in a large farming family in southern Turkey, Afet later immigrated to the United States and became an American citizen in 2009. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys gardening, birdwatching, and spending time with family and friends.
What Drew You to Serve on MACC’s Board?
“I was drawn to serve on MACC’s Board because I am passionate about advancing multicultural awareness and cultural competence in behavioral healthcare. As a Turkish-American immigrant, my own journey of acculturation has given me a deep appreciation for the importance of culturally and linguistically responsive services. Combined with my education and professional experience, this journey has reinforced my commitment to reducing barriers to care and ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds receive respectful, equitable, and person-centered services. Serving on MACC’s Board provides an opportunity to collaborate with other leaders who share a commitment to strengthening cultural competence and promoting best practices across Ohio.”
What Are Your Hopes for MACC’s Future?
“My hope is that MACC continues to be a leading voice for multicultural awareness and cultural competence within Ohio’s behavioral health system. I would like to see the organization expand the education, advocacy, and collaboration that help providers implement culturally and linguistically appropriate practices, address disparities, and improve access to quality behavioral healthcare. By bringing together professionals with diverse perspectives and experiences, MACC can continue to foster inclusive, culturally responsive organizations that better serve Ohio’s increasingly diverse communities.”
MACC appreciates Afet’s leadership, extensive behavioral health experience, and dedication to building more equitable and responsive systems of care. Her perspective and commitment continue to strengthen MACC’s work and its service to communities throughout Ohio.
