An important leadership update from Mental Health America

I want to share important news with you directly. After many years of dedicated service, Mental Health America’s (MHA) president and CEO, Schroeder Stribling, has made the difficult decision to step down in order to prioritize her health and recovery. We are deeply grateful for Schroeder’s vision and leadership, which have positioned MHA for continued growth and impact.

Through this transition, MHA’s mission to promote mental health, well-being, and condition prevention for all people living in the U.S. remains strong and vital.

As the Board works to launch a national search for a new president and CEO in accordance with our succession plan, we have appointed MHA’s chief public policy officer, Mary Giliberti, J.D., to serve as interim president and CEO. Mary is a trusted and experienced leader with past CEO experience. Mary will work closely with our strong senior leadership team, which continues to oversee programs and initiatives that are delivering meaningful impact every day. Together, this leadership structure ensures stability, continuity, and momentum.

Mental Health America was built on the dedication of our affiliates, partners, staff, and supporters like you. The programs and initiatives that matter to you – our screening tools, policy leadership, workplace and youth programs, national conference, and more – will continue without interruption. We see this moment as an opportunity to build on our foundation and prepare for even greater impact.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for standing with Mental Health America during this transition. Please see a personal message below from Schroeder to you directly.

With gratitude,

Dr. Pierluigi Mancini
Board Chair, Mental Health America

There is no easy way for me to share the news that I have decided that it is time for me to step down from my role as president and CEO of Mental Health America.  I did not come to the decision easily. This has been a deep and soul-searching time, and I must prioritize my own health and healing.

As the leader of a movement founded more than a century ago by Clifford Beers – whose vision was grounded in his own lived experience – I have always recognized the power of our stories to shape both personal recovery and systems change. As someone with lived experience, this mission is personal to me. This work is personal to me.

My hope and confidence is that Mental Health America – and everyone with a story of personal experience and healing – will together usher in a new era of mental health: one defined not by what is “wrong” with us, but by normalizing our shared human condition and vulnerability, and by celebrating our capacity for connection, healing, and flourishing.

Our mission has never been more important – and your role has never been more vital. I encourage you to continue standing with Mental Health America and fighting in the open for what we believe in. Whether by making a gift, advocating in your community, or joining us at our Conference, Oct. 16–17.

I am profoundly grateful for your steadfast support and your dedication to mental health and well-being. I leave with confidence in the leadership at Mental Health America and in each of you. I know that together you will continue to strengthen and advance this movement into its next chapter.

With gratitude and love,

Schroeder Stribling