Known for innovation and its commitment to clinical excellence, West Central Behavioral Health (West Central or WCBH) has been the community anchor for behavioral health services for over 40 years.  From its roots as a community clinic, West Central has developed a broad array of services for children, adults, veterans, and families, offering high quality, accessible care.  West Central collaborates with the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and the Department of Psychiatry at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center to drive innovations in mental health and substance use treatments and to develop the next generation of providers. Through these and other unique community partnerships, West Central Behavioral Health has emerged as an integral part of the healthcare and human service fabric of the community.

 

West Central Behavioral Health is a private, not-for-profit community mental health center based in Lebanon, New Hampshire and serving Sullivan and southern Grafton counties, with facilities throughout the area (http://www.wcbh.org). West Central is governed by a voluntary citizen Board of Directors with diverse representation that includes individuals with backgrounds in education, social services, healthcare, business and a broad spectrum of community engagement and activism. Funded by Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, state and federal grants and local government resources, West Central has annual gross revenues of $11.4M. The organization serves 2,500 clients and employs about 150 full and part-time clinical and administrative staff dedicated to providing a comprehensive continuum of behavioral health services.

 

West Central Behavioral Health’s Board of Directors has initiated a national search to identify and recruit top-notch candidates to compete to lead West Central into its next chapter of innovation and growth.

 

 

ABOUT THE ROLE

 

As the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of West Central Behavioral Health (WCBH), your role will be pivotal in steering the organization and embedding yourself within the community and amongst staff to drive forward the organization’s mission. You will lead all aspects of WCBH performance, including programmatic, administrative, and financial outcomes. This involves collaborating closely with the Board to craft and advance the strategic vision at WCBH; fostering innovative programming that establishes WCBH as a leader in regional and statewide community impact; and mentoring the executive leadership team. Together with the Board and executive team, you will set and reach goals that ensure the organization’s ongoing stability and growth.

Your role as the organization’s primary and most visible spokesperson entails articulating WCBH strategies and policies to a wide audience, ranging from the public and private sectors to legislative bodies. Building and maintaining productive relationships and essential resources will be key to achieving WCBH strategic objectives.

WCBH is currently navigating several critical challenges that require exceptional leadership and teamwork, including executive leadership transition, on-going transformation into a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, staff recruitment, training and retention, and financial stabilization/growth.

This position offers a rare chance to shape the future of care in New Hampshire and significantly impact behavioral health and support services for a diverse group of individuals including children, adults, veterans, and families across local communities and the broader state.

The ideal candidate will be a dynamic leader, holding a master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, with at least five years of high-level leadership and management experience, significant clinical experience, and an understanding of the healthcare insurance landscape.

Key Skills and Experience Required:

 

• A demonstrated passion for advancing the mission, vision, and values of WCBH.

• Proven ability in nurturing, supervising, and fostering high-performing, collaborative teams within a respectful professional environment.

• Exceptional verbal, written, and organizational communication skills.

• Proven track record in implementing effective staff recruitment and retention strategies.

• Skillful in bolstering organizational capacity through employee development.

• A compassionate, open, and inclusive demeanor, valuing the power of listening.

• Active engagement in partnerships with other healthcare and related community organizations.

• Extensive experience in formulating and executing sustainable financial strategies.

• Effective management of relationships with the Board of Directors.

• Leadership in establishing and managing successful fundraising initiatives.

• Demonstrated ability to secure and leverage local, state, and federal resources to enhance organizational effectiveness.

​

ABOUT THE REGION

 

The Upper Valley region in New Hampshire is an exceptional combination of breathtaking rivers and mountains, New England charm, vibrant industry, and distinguished institutions. Nestled along the Connecticut River Valley at the Vermont border, the region is a place for people who choose quality of life along with professional and academic opportunity.

 

At its hub are Dartmouth College and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, top institutions attracting leaders from across the globe who come to learn and, for many, stay to build tomorrow’s biotech, healthcare, and technology landscape.

 

Residents enjoy big city benefits in small town comfort: access to world-class healthcare; excellent public schools; top theatre, dance, and music; restaurants; college athletics, and a thriving lifelong learning community. Boston and Montreal are within easy driving distance. Additionally, excellent air, Amtrak, and bus service makes travel to and from New York City and Boston a breeze.

 

New Hampshire consistently earns high marks in national rankings for health, education, and children’s well-being. It’s one of America’s top states to raise a family for a reason. And, Lebanon has been recognized as one of the country’s Ten Best Small Towns. The region is a wonderful place to pursue your passions, indoor and out. 

​

To compete for this challenging and rewarding leadership opportunity as President & Chief Executive Officer of West Central Behavioral Health, or to request additional information, please contact: