Appointment as Executive Director of NACBHDD

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY DIRECTORS

PRESS RELEASE
October 13, 2009
Washington, DC: The National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors (NACBHDD) announces the appointment of Dr. Ron Manderscheid as Executive Director effective December 1. Dr. Manderscheid will assume responsibility for the policy and administrative functions of the organization, with particular attention to national health reform and current issues confronting county systems, such as Medicaid shortfalls.

Leon Evans, Chairperson of the NACBHDD Board of Directors, reflected, “We are delighted to have Dr. Manderscheid guide the association during this significant time. He is an accomplished and knowledgeable leader that will provide great promise for NACBHDD’s future.”

Dr. Manderscheid has served in research and managerial positions at the National Institute of Mental Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Most recently, he has been a Program Director for Mental Health and Substance Use Programs at SRA International and an Adjunct Professor at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University. He is known nationally and internationally for his research on adults with serious mental illness, publication of the biennial report Mental Health, United States, and his work on national health reform, particularly for the Whole Health Campaign, which represents the mental health and substance use care and prevention communities. Throughout his career, he has served as a strong advocate for the both the consumer and family communities.

NACBHDD represents the county directors of mental health, substance use, and developmental disabilities in the approximately 750 counties with programs in these areas. County directors are responsible for the operation and continuity of public and related services in their local areas. The organization was formed a decade ago to represent mental health and substance use county program directors; developmental disability directors were added five years ago. NACBHDD is an affiliate of the National Association of Counties (NACo), and works closely with that organization on policy and grant initiatives.