Dr. Wayne Lindstrom Named President and CEO of Mental Health America

Dr. Wayne Lindstrom Named President and CEO of Mental Health America

Contact: Steve Vetzner, (703) 797-2588 or svetzner@mentalhealthamerica.net

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (August 6, 2012)—Dr. Wayne Lindstrom, a behavioral health executive with more than 40 years of experience in the for-profit and not-for-profit fields, has been named the new President and CEO of Mental Health America by the organization’s board of directors.

Lindstrom was selected following a national search for a successor to Dr. David Shern, who announced last December his intention to retire.

Mental Health America Board Chair Pender McElroy said: "We are extremely fortunate to have Dr. Lindstrom take the helm of Mental Health America. He is ideally suited to carry forward the organization’s historic and leading role in advancing the health and well-being of Americans. He brings extensive experience, sound business judgment, and, perhaps most importantly, a deep and longstanding commitment to the mental health movement.”

Dr. Lindstrom said: "I am excited to assume the leadership of Mental Health America and honored to follow in the footsteps of Dr. David Shern, who has laid the groundwork for it to continue to be a vital and sustainable contributor to this country’s well-being. I look forward to collaborating with the Mental Health America board, staff, and affiliates, and consumers and stakeholders in creating and implementing meaningful and positive change."

Dr. Lindstrom previously served as chief executive officer of Crossroads, a comprehensive community-based behavioral health care organization serving children, youth and families in Mentor, Ohio. Prior to his work with Crossroads, Dr. Lindstrom founded and was president of SocioTech, an organizational consulting firm that specialized in transforming and enhancing the performance of not-for-profit organizations. Earlier in his career, he was responsible for managing public and private behavioral health managed care programs for United Health Care and a variety of other health care plans, and directing Ohio's single state authority for alcoholism and drug use prevention and treatment services. During his service in the United States Air Force, Dr. Lindstrom planned, implemented and directed an outpatient drug treatment program for Vietnam-era active duty personnel and their families. He holds a Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University and a Master in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. He received his undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University.

Mental Health America (www.mentalhealthamerica.net) is the nation’s largest and oldest community-based network dedicated to helping all Americans achieve wellness by living mentally healthier lives. With our more than 300 affiliates across the country, we touch the lives of millions—Advocating for changes in mental health and wellness policy; Educating the public & providing critical information; and delivering urgently needed mental health and wellness Programs and Services.

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