Wendy Shapiro, former CEO of Clarion Psychiatric Center in Clarion, Pennsylvania, has been named CEO of Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital, a state-run, acute-care facility in Berlin. Shapiro’s background in human services spans more than three decades, encompassing both direct service roles and high-level leadership positions.
“At some point in our lives, many of us will experience some kind of mental health challenges, and for some those challenges can be overwhelming and can lead to tragic outcomes,” said Department of Mental Health Commissioner Emily Hawes. “That's why having individuals in these critical roles with expertise in mental health care systems, a dedication to equitable, empathetic and effective treatment services, and support is absolutely crucial. Wendy has these skills and more.”
As CEO, Shapiro will lead the state facility charged with providing recovery-oriented psychiatric treatment and care for individuals whose illness or mental health-related actions may require periods of involuntary commitment. Her responsibilities include direct collaboration with both staff and those receiving services. She oversees strategic planning, spearheads development initiatives, manages operations and upholds focus on patient rights and successful recovery.
Shapiro is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University and holds a master's degree in counseling psychology from Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania.