December 5, 2016

ATLANTA—Judy Fitzgerald today was sworn in as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) by Governor Nathan Deal.  She was appointed to the role by Deal last month to replace Frank Berry, who now leads the Department of Community Health.

“It is an honor to be given the opportunity to serve people with behavioral health challenges and intellectual and developmental disabilities as Commissioner of DBHDD,” said Fitzgerald, who joined the department in 2012.  “I am eager to build on the tremendous work accomplished by Commissioner Berry and the team he built over the last four years, which I was privileged to be a part of.”

Prior to her appointment as Commissioner, Fitzgerald served DBHDD in the roles of Chief of Staff and Deputy Commissioner.  She is a social worker and has spent her career developing behavioral health and public service delivery systems.  Fitzgerald earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Georgia.  She and her husband Tim Gould live in Cobb County with their two children.

A photo and biography of Commissioner Fitzgerald are available at http://dbhdd.georgia.gov/commissioner-judy-fitzgerald.

For more information, contact (404) 416-3883 or [email protected].

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The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency that supports people with mental health needs, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Our vision is easy access to high-quality care that leads to a life of recovery and independence for the people we serve.  Judy Fitzgerald has served as commissioner of DBHDD since 2016.