Kansas mental health leader, Bill D. Persinger, Jr., retiring as CEO of Valeo Behavioral Health Care, Inc.
Today, the Board of Governors for Valeo Behavioral Health Care, Inc. announced Bill D. Persinger, Jr., who has served as the organization’s CEO since November 2015, will retire in August.
Persinger has dedicated his life’s work to helping people. For most of his 50-year career, he has held leadership roles in four of the Kansas Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs), which are charged with providing the public mental health safety net services, including comprehensive mental health rehabilitation.
“It wasn’t easy to reach this decision because I believe so fully in Valeo’s unique mission,” said Persinger. “It has been my honor to be part of the meaningful work we do for the people we serve and for our community. At the same time though, after 50 years in the field, I’m ready to prioritize pursuits outside of work.”
Under Persinger’s leadership, Valeo recently received Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) status, which allows for better access, enhanced programs and new services.
“Bill has a deep respect for Valeo’s strong reputation as an exceptional provider for those seeking recovery from mental illness and/or addiction,” said Tyler Levier, Chair, Valeo’s Behavioral Health Care Board. “Therefore, he has focused his time here on building upon that decades-old foundation, putting the organization in a position to continue succeeding into the future.”
An interim CEO will soon be appointed by Valeo’s Governing Board to work alongside Bill, the Executive Management Team and the Board during the transition. The Board and staff leadership at Valeo remain committed to the spirit of the organization’s name, which is Latin for “to be well.”
“Valeo’s vision for a future where everybody has access to stigma-free behavioral health care drew me to this role in the first place,” said Persinger. “Today, we are the provider of choice for complete and compassionate care. That’s credit to our entire team, which I have no doubt will continue thriving in the service of others well after my retirement.”
Persinger also volunteers for several community and business initiatives, including the City of Topeka’s homelessness project, which he will continue contributing his personal time to post-retirement.
