The directors at Bridges … A Community Support System, have appointed Barbara DiMauro as chief executive officer and president effective July 1. DiMauro is currently Bridges’ chief of services. She will replace retiring CEO Barry Kasdan.
“During this time of transition, there is no better person to lead Bridges than Barbara,” said Michelle LeMere, chair of Bridges’ board of directors. “Barbara is a proven and effective leader with the experience, vision and the ability to bring people together.”
Since joining Bridges in 2006, DiMauro has led a number of transformative initiatives to improve the quality and consistency of care clients receive, including restructuring departments to integrate all services with internal and external primary and specialty care providers. She also led the implementation of an on-site full service pharmacy at Bridges.
“I am proud to be leading an agency that has a long-standing history of providing the highest quality services,” said DiMauro. “The changing healthcare environment presents many opportunities for growth and new initiatives, which will enable all people who need and want mental health services to access them more readily than is the case today.”
Kasdan said that DiMauro’s experience and skills are embedded in all of the services that Bridges offers.
“Her focus on innovation and developing new practice models, along with her commitment to healthcare integration will continue to advance Bridges as a leading healthcare provider,” Kasdan said. “She is a true bridge builder.”
DiMauro brings extensive background in the mental health field, blending both clinical and management expertise. She received her master’s degree in social work from Fordham University in 1987 and has held positions in various settings, including hospitals, community outpatient and child welfare over the past 28 years.
Bridges offers a comprehensive range of mental health, addictions and primary care programs and services. More than 8,000 area residents received assistance from Bridges in 2013.
With its headquarters in Milford, Bridges is the state designated Local Mental Health Authority for Milford, Orange and West Haven and provides services to several other area towns.