Worcester, MA, December 19, 2016 – Spectrum Health Systems, Inc., New England’s leading addiction treatment provider, announced today that is has appointed Sherry Ellis as the organization’s chief operating officer. Ms. Ellis assumes the position left vacant when former COO Kurt Isaacson became Spectrum’s president and CEO on July 1, 2016, upon the retirement of Charles Faris.
“Sherry joins Spectrum at a particularly exciting period in the organization’s evolution,” commented President and CEO Kurt Isaacson. “With her extensive background in mental health and demonstrated management expertise, Sherry will play a key role in helping expand our delivery platform to include fully integrated behavioral healthcare services.”
Ms. Ellis brings more than twenty years of clinical and operational experience within a variety of health care organizations, including acute care hospitals and several non-profit organizations. Most recently, she served as vice president of crisis and rehabilitation services at South Shore Mental Health in Quincy, Mass. for seven years. In this role, she oversaw the operation of thirteen programs, involving 300 employees and multiple funding mechanisms.
Ms. Ellis spent the early years of her career as a counselor, therapist and behavioral health consultant before joining the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children where she worked for many years in a variety of administrative positions. She was also the administrative director of psychiatric services at Quincy Medical Center for four years.
Ms. Ellis earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston College, and Master of Social Work degree from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work.
“I was initially attracted to Spectrum based on its reputation and strong leadership,” explained Ellis. “The organization has experienced remarkable growth over the past few years while maintaining its commitment to high quality care and customer service. I’m eager to join the team and get involved in several exciting strategic initiatives the organization has planned.”
About Spectrum Health Systems:
Based in Worcester, Mass. and founded in 1969, Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. is a private, nonprofit substance abuse and mental health treatment provider. Spectrum offers the largest and most complete continuum of addiction treatment in New England — including inpatient detoxification, residential rehabilitation, outpatient services, medication-assisted treatment and peer recovery support. The New England Recovery Center, based in Westborough, and a subsidiary of Spectrum Health Systems, provides detoxification and long-term residential inpatient addiction treatment services specifically geared towards those with private insurance. For more information, please visit www.spectrumhealthsystems.org.
###
