The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Meryl A. Allison, a strategic and management consultant with more than 30 years of experience, to the role of President of its Board of Directors. 

“We have a rich history of passionate and talented Board Presidents, and we could not be more pleased to welcome Meryl to a long line of great leaders,” said MHA CEO Charlotte Östman, LCSW-R. “Her commitment to MHA since she first joined the Board more than six years ago has been an inspiration to all, and we will benefit tremendously from her strategic planning expertise as we continue to position MHA as the behavioral healthcare agency of the future.”

Allison takes over the role from Mike Lombardi, who served as President for more than four years and who continues to offer his expertise as a dedicated member of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Investment Committee.

“As is true for most of us, I have personally been close to many people affected by mental health issues,” said Allison, who has been a member of the Board for six years. “I sought out MHA because of its tremendous impact in the community. Unfortunately, mental health care is given short shrift in our society, in that benefits are limited and there is stigma associated with treatment. We must continue to raise awareness of the impact mental health issues can have on an individual and society, so that we can bring greater resources to bear. MHA has exceptional leadership, with the right mix of market, clinical and management skills, and I am honored to take on the role of President of our Board.”

Allison currently splits her time between consulting engagements and serving on not-for-profit boards. Previously, she had been a Partner at both Accenture and Deloitte Consulting, where she focused on the health care and life sciences industries. An expert in strategic planning and operations improvement, Allison has helped clients address C-suite and Board-level issues. She received her Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of Pennsylvania and her MBA from The Wharton School. Allison lives in Bedford with her wife, son and Jack Russell terrier. She enjoys yoga and playing the cello.