For Immediate Release:

Sharon Dietsche Named Executive Director of NAMI MC
Mental Health Expert to Guide Next Phase of Improving Lives of Marylanders

Washington, D.C., December 4, 2023— National Alliance on Mental Illness Montgomery County (NAMI MC), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and their families impacted by mental illness, has appointed Sharon Dietsche its new Executive Director. Impact Search Advisors by Nonprofit HR, a leading executive search firm specializing in the social sector, partnered with NAMI MC on the successful acquisition.

NAMI MC, founded in 1978, is the largest state affiliate of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. They provide free classes and support groups for individuals and families affected by mental illness, and envision a future where all people living with mental illness lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Their mission is to build peer communities to support, educate and advocate for the mental illness community.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sharon Dietsche to NAMI Montgomery County,” said Josh Wooldridge, Board President and search committee member. “Her extensive experience in leading and growing nonprofits, deep understanding of behavioral health, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) make her the ideal person to lead our organization during a time when mental health services are in great demand.”

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead NAMI Montgomery County,” said Dietsche. “Mental illness affects one in five adults in the United States, and it is crucial to have a strong organization working to ensure that everyone has access to the support and resources they need to enhance their lives. I look forward to making positive change with NAMI.”

The search for an Executive Director spotlighted NAMI MC’s need for a critical, frontline and visionary leader who prioritizes relationship building, mental health awareness, fundraising and financial stewardship. Considering the shifting demographics for Montgomery County and the need to understand the lived experiences of the community NAMI MC serves, championing DEI was core, in addition to overseeing its hybrid workforce (staff and 60 trained volunteers). These were but a few priorities of the search for NAMI MC’s next Executive Director, who will follow Stephanie Rosen’s decade-long successful leadership of the organization.

Dietsche, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C, has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She is adept in organizational leadership and strategic planning, and is not only an expert but also an advocate for mental health.

Before joining NAMI, Dietsche served as Executive Director of Embark Behavioral Health. She has a proven track record of success as a senior leader at leading national and local nonprofits, including the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E) and the DC Department of Behavioral Health. She has consulted various organizations on mental health, social justice and workforce development issues, including The White House.

Dietsche is a frequent speaker and writer on mental health issues. She was featured in various media outlets, including USA Today, and Global News. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers.

Bert Ruiz, Managing Director of Impact Search Advisors by Nonprofit HR said, “On behalf of our team, I want to share how grateful we are to have partnered with NAMI MC on this critical search and their efforts to support individuals and families living with mental illness. It was a pleasure to work with such an impactful grassroots organization.”

Media Contacts

Reporters interested in speaking with NAMI MC may contact Steve Robinson, Deputy Director, at [email protected], 301.949.5852, x102.

Reporters interested in speaking to Nonprofit HR about this winning hire for media mention may contact Nana Atokatha Ashmond Brew, Managing Director, Client Marketing & Strategic Communication, at [email protected]. 

About Nonprofit HR

Nonprofit HR is the country’s leading and oldest firm focused exclusively on the talent management needs of the social sector, including nonprofits, associations, social enterprises and other mission-driven organizations. We focus our consulting efforts on the following practice areas: Strategy & Advisory, HR Outsourcing, Total Rewards, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Justice and Search. Inc. 5000 listed Nonprofit HR as one of the nation’s fastest-growing growing firms. Since 2000, our staff of credentialed experts has advanced the impact of some of the world’s most influential brands in the sector. Learn more at www.nonprofithr.com.

About the National Alliance on Mental Illness Montgomery County (NAMI MC)

Five local families founded NAMI MC in 1978 to support each other and educate others about mental illness. With little insight easily available, harsh existing approaches to treatment and few current support services available, the movement of families and caregivers seeking to cope with the mental illness of their loved ones grew across the nation. A true grassroots movement, this national effort grew and changed names several times over the years, today becoming the country’s largest mental health organization. NAMI MC predates the national organization based in Arlington, VA. To reach their vision, they build peer communities to support, educate, and advocate for all affected by mental illness. Learn more at https://namimc.org/.

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