State-funded opioid treatment center names new director. His past raises questions for Robeson residents

Robeson County nonprofit Hope Alive has found someone to head up its organization.

Hope Alive has decided to hire Oryan Lowry as its new director. The church and nonprofit received $10 million from the state to open a drug treatment facility despite having no experience in that space.

WRAL received news tips about Lowry's new position, and his past has concerned some residents in the southern North Carolina.

Lowry currently works as the town of Bladenboro’s town administrator. He’s from Pembroke and a decade ago, worked as its town manager. However, after about two years in the role, he was dismissed when it was discovered he used the town’s credit card for personal purchases.

"It was 100% a mistake on my behalf and I learned from it and moved on," said Lowry during a phone interview.

Lowry said he reimbursed the town in full and there isn't a record of any charges being filed.

Robeson health care leader credits WRAL reporting for changes in funding for combating opioid crisis

This isn’t the first time a leader affiliated with Hope Alive has been subject to questions about financial decisions. The organization, which has ties to Greater Hope International Church, is run by Pastor Ronald Barnes. WRAL News found Barnes has several prior convictions for embezzlement.

Following WRAL’s story, which aired in January, the state budget was altered and one change includes additional reporting requirements for the group.

"If there are any issues, I am certain the reporting and audit requirements will catch them,” said State Sen. Danny Britt in a text.

Church, nonprofit with zero track record of providing drug treatment awarded $10 mil from state to combat opioid crisis

Lowry is leaving his current role in Bladenboro at the end of next week and begins his new role with Hope Alive on May 1. He says he is looking forward to beginning the position as the organization's executive director.

"I actually had a younger brother who passed away probably about six months ago from opioid addiction," Lowry said. "It's something that hit home for me. I saw the opportunity to apply to and hope to make a difference in my community."

As for the facility where the treatment center is set to open, WRAL News is told the group is working with the state Division of Health Services Regulation to figure out which renovations are needed to bring it to licensure standards.

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Travis Fain contributed to this reporting.