Sgt. Samuel Balla serves as a behavioral health clinical director with Recovery Works. in central Ohio, helping those with addictions or mental illnesses get the treatment they need. He has been part of the counseling and therapy field for several years, including previous work as a readjustment counseling therapist with the Vet Center in Columbus and a program manager with Southeast Inc. Sgt. Samuel Balla also stands out as a decorated veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving in combat in Iraq in 2005 and earning a Marine Corps Commendation Medal for aiding his wounded Marines during a firefight.

Sgt. Balla holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Allegheny College, and in 2016 earned designation as a licensed independent social worker supervisor. He has also completed a range of advanced leadership and management training modules. During his free time, Sgt. Balla follows several Midwestern sports teams, including the Ohio State Buckeyes, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Reds, and Columbus Blue Jackets. He also enjoys watching rugby matches and playing golf.