The Stairways Behavioral Health Board of Directors recently announced that Valerie Vicari is the community mental health-care provider’s new executive director.
Vicari has served in progressive leadership roles for 15 years with the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), including her most recent position as director of the Division of Western Operations, with oversight of mental health programs in 46 counties across Western and Central Pennsylvania.
Vicari has been a leader in the implementation and management of the Pennsylvania Medicaid managed care program, HealthChoices. She has been instrumental in the development and statewide expansion of evidence- based practices such as the Assertive Community Teams and Certified Peer Specialist programs.
Vicari received her undergraduate education from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. She earned a master’s degree at Carlow College in pro- fessional leadership for management, nonprofit concentration.
