May 23, 2022
The Board of Directors of North Country Community Mental Health (NCCMH) offered the position of Chief Executive Officer to Brian Babbitt, current Chief Operating Officer, to succeed retiring Chief Executive Officer Christine Gebhard, effective July 1, 2022. Mr. Babbitt accepted the offer, and the Board approved his contract at its May 19, 2022 meeting.
Gebhard has been in the CEO position since April 2017 and has worked for NCCMH for the past 25 years.
Babbitt served as NCCMH’s contract manager for three years prior to becoming its Chief Operating Officer in 2017. He holds a BA in Business Administration and Accounting; is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management; and certified in Healthcare Compliance. Prior to joining NCCMH, Babbitt was Vice President of Marketing and Manufacturing for MDG Medical in Ohio responsible for marketing and manufacturing operations and managing its international and domestic partner relationships. As General Manager for Cardinal Health in Puerto Rico, he was responsible for leading strategic planning and day-to-day operations for a $13M international start-up operation during which he successfully implemented and facilitated Lean Six Sigma projects resulting in significant performance improvement and cost savings. In his younger days, while attending college, Babbitt was a direct care worker in an AFC home, ultimately becoming the in-residence home manager.
Babbitt said, “I am honored to be to be chosen as the next CEO for North Country Community Mental Health. This is an organization comprised of talented people dedicated to providing high quality behavioral health services. I am excited to lead this extraordinary team forward as we continue the work underway.”
Gebhard said, “Leading North Country CMH these past five years has been the highlight of my career and I’m proud of all that we’ve accomplished. Brian has been my right-hand and I’m thrilled that he’s been given this opportunity. I know the organization will continue to thrive under his leadership.”
The board expressed its gratitude at finding such a qualified candidate internal to the organization.
According to Ed Ginop, NCCMH Board Chair, “Brian has a thorough understanding of the organization and has effectively managed its business operations. The Board is confident in Brian’s leadership in fulfilling our mission.”
The NCCMH Board of Directors utilized Rehmann to assist with the search for a new CEO and interviewed three finalists for the position.
North Country Community Mental Health provides services to residents of Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Kalkaska, and Otsego Counties experiencing a serious mental illness, severe emotional problem, or intellectual/developmental disability, including individuals with co-occurring substance use disorder.
Persons wishing to know more about North Country Community Mental Health are encouraged to visit www.norcocmh.org or to access services call 877-470-7130.
