Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds: Author, Speaker, Survivor

Drawing from three decades of public service and a dual battle with cancer, Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds transforms personal trials into powerful lessons on resilience, community, and the unexpected ways our challenges prepare us for what lies ahead.

As President and CEO of Family and Children’s Association (FCA) – one of Long Island’s largest health and human service organizations with a $25 million annual budget – Dr. Reynolds has dedicated his career to serving vulnerable populations. His leadership spans addiction treatment, mental health advocacy, and social justice, including pioneering roles with the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD) and 19 years with the Long Island Association for AIDS Care.

But it was his parallel journey as a triathlete that revealed life’s most profound lessons. Since completing his first 5K in 2010, Dr. Reynolds has finished over 30 triathlons, including six Ironman 70.3 races and a full 140.6-mile Ironman. When cancer struck – first prostate cancer in 2022, then Stage 3B colorectal cancer in 2023 – he discovered that his swim-bike-run training had unknowingly prepared him for the fight of his life.

Author & Speaker
Dr. Reynolds shares these insights in his new book, “Every Mile Matters: How Triathlon Trained Me For Triumph Over Cancer,” and as a sought-after keynote speaker. Drawing from 35+ years of addressing audiences on addiction, mental health, and social justice – now enhanced by his cancer journey – he delivers powerful messages about building resilience, finding strength in community, and transforming life’s unexpected challenges into opportunities for growth.

Recognition & Expertise
Named one of the “Most Influential Long Islanders” annually from 2010-2025, Dr. Reynolds has received numerous honors including the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Council on Mental Wellbeing. He serves on multiple state and county task forces addressing the opioid crisis, chairs oversight boards, and remains the longest-serving member of the NYS AIDS Advisory Council.

As a TEDx speaker and frequent presenter at national conferences, Dr. Reynolds has authored over 350 articles and is regularly featured as an expert source by major media outlets. He holds a doctorate from Stony Brook University’s School of Social Welfare, where his dissertation focused on health behavior change – research that would prove prophetic in his own life.

Beyond the Podium
Dr. Reynolds successfully founded and sold AmericanFlags.com (2001-2022) and currently leads Causation LLC, a health and wellness content publisher. He serves on the boards of Lightning Warriors youth triathlon team, the New York State Council for Community Behavioral Health Care and the Long Island Association.

By sharing his journey publicly – from diagnosis through treatment and recovery – Dr. Reynolds continues his lifelong mission of supporting others through their most challenging moments, proving that sometimes our chosen difficulties prepare us for our unchosen ones.