Veteran Behavioral Health Services Executive to Lead Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania

PHILADELPHIA, May. 06 /PRNewswire/ --

PHILADELPHIA, May 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Bill Dinwiddie, Vice President of Behavioral Health Services of Horizon House, Inc., has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania (MHASP). He will assume leadership of MHASP on June 2, 2008.

"Bill brings to MHASP 30 years of experience in the mental health arena," says Denise M. Maida, Psy.D., who chairs MHASP's Board of Directors. "The Board believes that Bill's depth of experience, professionalism, and management skills will be great assets in his new role as the CEO of MHASP."

At Horizon House -- a large Philadelphia provider of psychiatric rehabilitation, employment and other services for people with behavioral health needs -- Dinwiddie managed a division with a staff of 500 employees and an operating budget of more than $30 million. Under his leadership, his division won highly competitive public sector contracts and private grants for innovative service development in Philadelphia, Delaware and Montgomery counties, and the state of Delaware.

Previously, as Executive Director of Horizon House/Delaware (1987-1998), he directed the development of a continuum of services that have since become a major component of Delaware's adult behavioral health service system.

In recognition of his achievements and dedication to the fields of mental health, substance abuse, and psychiatric rehabilitation, Dinwiddie has received numerous awards and honors, including the Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health's Kelly/Pazzaglini Memorial Institute Scholarship Award in 2001, and the Pennsylvania Association of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services Distinguished Career Award in 2004.

Dinwiddie holds a B.A. in Government from Franklin and Marshall College, and an MSW and Certificate in Executive Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. His professional certifications include A.C.S.W.

"Bill is very excited to join our marvelous organization, and he plans to begin acquainting himself immediately with MHASP by meeting with employees and visiting our numerous programs," Maida says.

The Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania is a non-profit citizens' advocacy and service organization that develops, maintains, and promotes innovative education and advocacy programs and mental health services in a culturally competent manner, and serves as a role model and technical assistance resource for local, regional, state and national organizations and constituencies. MHASP serves adults, children and family members through its programs and advocacy efforts.

CONTACT: Susan Rogers, Director of Special Projects, MHASP, 215-751-1800, ext. 288