The Florida Behavioral Health Association Announces New Chairs

TALLAHASSEE, FL (July 29, 2024) – On Monday, The Florida Behavioral Health Association (FBHA) proudly announced its new 2024-2025 leadership, electing Scott Burgess as the chair of FBHA, Melissa Larkin-Skinner as the chair of the Florida Council for Behavioral Healthcare (FCBH), the association’s advocacy arm, and Jean Pierre as the chair of FADAA, the association’s services arm.

“All thanks to the dedication and leadership of FBHA’s chairs, board of directors, and members, we have seen a monumental investment in Florida’s behavioral health system, allowing incredible strides toward healing those struggling with mental health and substance use disorders,” said Melanie Brown-Woofter, president and CEO of FBHA. “I look forward to continuing these great efforts alongside Scott, Melissa, and Jean. These individuals are forward-thinking innovators who work each day to better everyone around them. I could not be more excited for the future.”

Burgess is CEO of David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health in Naples, Florida, and serves on FBHA’s executive committee and the FBHA board of directors.

“I consider it a great honor to have been selected by my distinguished colleagues to serve as chair of the Florida Behavioral Health Association,” said Burgess. “I am committed to advancing our mission and ensuring that behavioral health care continues to be available for everyone. Together, we will work to foster healthier communities, support stronger families and empower resilient Floridians.”

Larkin-Skinner is the immediate past chair of FBHA and recently transitioned to a new role as president of Community Assisted and Supported Living in Sarasota, Florida. She has 30 years of experience in behavioral health and was previously the CEO of Centerstone Florida for almost eight years.

“I am excited and energized to work alongside my intrepid colleagues and FCBH board members to create meaningful and powerful change for the well-being of all Floridians,” said Larkin-Skinner.

Pierre is the executive vice president and chief behavioral health officer for Community Health of South Florida, Inc, in Miami.

"As I begin chairing FADAA, I am excited for the possibilities ahead,” said Pierre. “Together with the FADAA board and our dedicated members, I am eager to innovate and create meaningful change. It is a great honor to serve in this esteemed position, and I am committed to advancing our mission to better serve those most in need."

To learn more about FBHA and meet the other board members, visit Floridabha.org.

About Florida Behavioral Health Association

The Florida Behavioral Health Association (FBHA) is a non-profit organization that provides statewide leadership on behavioral health policy and practice. FBHA supports member agencies offering services to those in need of mental health and substance use disorder assistance and support. Its members include a broad range of provider types, ranging from small specialty organizations to comprehensive treatment organizations with multiple locations within a geographic region. For more information, please visit Floridabha.org.

About David Lawrence Centers 

Southwest Florida nonprofit David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) is a national leader providing compassionate, advanced, and exceptional mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare solutions, available for children, adolescents, and adults. DLC’s innovative treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services – a comprehensive system of care funded by community and government support. Each year, DLC serves 9,000 people through over 341,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, visit DLCenters.org or call 239-455-8500.

Contacts:

Mary Katherine Green, Florida Behavioral Health Association, 850-566-8065, marykatherine@floridabha.org

Christopher Bright, David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health, 239-354-1468, christopherbr@DLCenters.org 

Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR, 239-275-5758, Jenna@GSMA.pro