I tweeted this morning that NAMI would announce its new Executive Director at noon, which is what it did. Here’s the official release.

NAMI Names Mary Giliberti as New Executive Director

ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mary Giliberti as the new Executive Director of the national organization.

Giliberti has served as a Section Chief in the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services since 2008. She previously served for three years as NAMI’s Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for federal and state issues.

She also has served as Disability Counsel for the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and senior attorney at the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law. She is a graduate of Harvard College and Yale Law School. After graduation from law school, she clerked for Judge Phyllis Kravitch on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

“Mary has had a long and distinguished career advocating for individuals and families living with mental illness,” said NAMI National Board President Keris Jän Myrick. “She was selected after an extensive search informed by many NAMI grassroots leaders and others.

“We are excited by the vision, energy and collaborative style she will bring to NAMI’s mission as we begin a new chapter in its 35-year history.” While at NAMI previously, Giliberti was a co-author of NAMI’s Grading the States  reports in 2006 and 2009.

“NAMI is a powerful agent for change in the mental health care system. Our greatest resource is our people,” Giliberti said.

“I am honored to become executive director at a time when new opportunities are arising for our movement to make a difference. NAMI will be at the forefront of education, support and advocacy to improve treatment and life outcomes for people living with mental illness.”

Giliberti will assume her duties on Jan. 2, 2014. She succeeds Michael Fitzpatrick, who a year ago announced his intention to step down as executive director at the end of 2013.

“NAMI is grateful to Mike for his leadership over the past 10 years, a time of major progress and challenges,” said Myrick. “He has provided a steady hand and is leaving NAMI well-positioned to continue the fight.”

SOURCE National Alliance on Mental Illness