We’re delighted that Cory Nelson has agreed to share his talents with us as our new Arizona State Hospital CEO.  Cory has been serving for the last ten years as the CEO at the South Dakota Human Services Center in Yankton, SD where he runs a 304-bed state psychiatric facility. He has a great reputation in the field and currently serves as President of the Western Psychiatric State Hospital Association (WPSHA).

Ann Froio has done a dynamite job providing leadership at the Hospital over the last year or so.  She has a unique ability to thoughtfully and objectively assess programs and operations, followed by a collaborative, respectful and strategic approach to making changes when indicated.

She serves the agency well.  Through her work in behavioral health, procurement, licensing and now the Hospital, Ann has pretty much mastered many of our lines of business.  I think all of you have come to appreciate her as much as we do.  Ann will stay on until Cory gets here and then she will hand over the baton and move on to a new adventure with the department.  Grazi!

We’re also delighted to have Deb Taylor officially approved as the Chief Nursing Officer at the Hospital.  This is an absolutely critical position especially because of the scope and magnitude of the responsibilities and because it’s such a critical position for our compliance with regulations.  Congrats, and thanks!