DBHDD announces plan for future state operations

DBHDD is the state authority for behavioral health and developmental disabilities. Our goal is to establish an effective and accountable continuum of care that is sustainable in a dynamic health care environment. To support this goal, we are reshaping our organizational structure to create a centrally-managed model that is aligned by function.

This is a significant and transformative journey that we believe will improve the department’s operations on all levels, ultimately resulting in easier access to high-quality care for
the people we serve. In addition, we believe that this model will clarify roles and responsibilities, and improve consistency across functional areas and throughout the statewide delivery system.

The new model creates three new divisions:

  • Division of Performance Management and Quality Improvement
  • Division of Accountability and Compliance
  • Division of Hospital Services

Commissioner Frank Berry will directly oversee the chief of staff, director of hospital services, chief operating officer and assistant commissioner of public relations. Within these divisions, DBHDD has appointed the following leaders:

  • Chief of Staff, Judy Fitzgerald
    • Deputy Chief of Staff, Melissa Sperbeck
    • Director of Performance Management and Quality Improvement, Chris Gault
    • Director of Behavioral Health, Monica Parker
    • Director of Developmental Disabilities, Dan Howell
    • Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Emile Risby
  • Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Minor
    • Director of Accountability and Compliance, Robert Dorr
    • Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development, Mark Green
    • Director of Budget and Finance, Lee Wright
    • Director of Information Technology, Doug Engle

Assistant Commissioner of Public Relations, Lavin Gartland Briggs

Additionally, we are pleased to announce the following assignments:

  • Director of Hospital Operations, Greg Hoyt
  • Director of Forensic Services, Dr. Karen Bailey
  • Director of I/DD Hospital Services and Regional Hospital Administrator of Georgia Regional Hospital at Atlanta, Dr. Charles Li
  • Settlement Coordinator, Pam Schuble
  • General Counsel and Director of Legal Services, Amy Howell

The effective dates of each of these positions are staggered to align with implementation of key strategic initiatives.

We are excited about the impact these changes will have on our service delivery system, and we will post regular updates throughout the change process ahead.