Mental Health America of the Triangle Hires New Executive Director

Jan. 18, 2013 - PRLog -- DURHAM, N.C. - January 16, 2013 - Mental Health America of the Triangle (MHAT) is pleased to announce that it has appointed Benjamin Staples, MS, MBA as its new executive director. Staples was selected out of a pool of over 50 applicants, through the aid of MHAT board and staff, who performed a thorough search and interview process. Staples brings to the position extensive clinical and administrative experience in mental health. His first day on the job was Tuesday, January 1, 2013.

“I am thrilled to join MHAT as executive director,” says Staples. “It seems my entire career has led me to this point: shepherding a small yet vibrant organization through a transition of growth, and nurturing it as it realizes its potential.” Staples is referring to MHAT’s strategic initiative to expand its reach throughout the Triangle.

As executive director, Staples will oversee daily operations of MHAT while working closely with the board and staff to shape future MHAT policy, strategy and goals. In addition to providing a strong internal leadership role, Staples will also be responsible for the development of public outreach and serve as MHAT spokesperson.

Staples has worked in many areas of health care, ranging from substance abuse, mental health, and industrial injury to traumatic brain injury. Administratively, he has served as health center administrator for clinical psychiatry services at Duke Hospital and Clinics, executive director

of NAMI North Carolina, and regional leadership consultant with NAMI National.

A native of Durham, N.C., Ben attended Durham Public Schools and graduated with a

degree in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He went on

to complete a masters of science in rehabilitation counseling at the School of Medicine

at UNC-Chapel Hill and a masters in business administration at Seattle Pacific

University.  

“We are happy to welcome Ben to MHAT and look forward to learning from and working

with him as we evolve to meet the ever-growing need for better mental health and substance abuse services in the Triangle,” says Michael Jokich, president of MHAT’s Board of

Directors.

About Mental Health America of the Triangle

Mental Health America of the Triangle (MHAT) provides free services, education and

support, and collaborates with other community organizations throughout the region to

help those with mental health and substance abuse conditions. Established in 1966 as The Mental Health Association in Orange County, the organization affiliated with Mental Health America in 2010. MHAT is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization located at 3729 Murphy

School Road in Durham, N.C. and is supported by private and corporate donations and grants. For additional information, please call 919.942.8083, email info@mhatriangle.org, or visit

www.mhatriangle.org.

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For additional information:

Benjamin Staples, MS, MBA

Executive Director

Mental Health America of the Triangle

3729 Murphy School Road

Durham, NC 27705

919.942.8083

bstaples@mhatriangle.org

www.mhatriangle.org

Or

Libbie Hough

Public Relations

Comma

118 North Churton Street

Hillsborough, NC 27278

919.967.8070

libbiehough@cmatters.org          

www.cmatters.org