RIDGWAY — Heidi Thomas of Ridgway has been appointed as Dickinson Center’s chief executive officer.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Fran Roebuck Kuhns, Dickinson Center Inc. chairman of the board of directors.
“It is with overwhelming support and great pride that the board of directors appoints Heidi Thomas as the CEO of Dickinson Center Inc.,” said Kuhns. “Heidi has done an outstanding job during this year of transition as interim CEO, leading us through a strategic partnership, expanding our service lines, enhancing customer service to new heights, engaging our skilled and caring staff, and bringing our mission and vision to life.
“She is dedicated to DCI and will lead us forward into the future of behavioral health, intellectual disabilities, and prevention services for our consumers of today and tomorrow.”
Thomas has been leading Dickinson as interim chief executive officer since last August. The board and Dickinson administration said Thomas is an excellent fit for the role, and one who will successfully lead the organization through its pending affiliation with Journey Health System and future endeavors.
At Dickinson Center since June 2004, her education includes a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Penn State University, a master’s degree in business administration from Clarion University, and she is a Certified Public Accountant.
Thomas is a lifelong resident of Ridgway and is married to Andy Thomas; the couple has two children, Carli and Drew. She has served or currently serves on various boards, including C.A.P.S.E.A, Community Education Center, YMCA, Penn Highlands Elk, and WRC Senior Services. She is a graduate of Leadership Elk County, and over the years has volunteered as a coach for local youth sports.
Since 1958, Dickinson Center has been committed to helping individuals reach their full potential by providing a comprehensive spectrum of behavioral health, intellectual disability, and prevention services. Initially, Dickinson opened to provide outpatient psychiatric care to rural northwestern Pennsylvania, and is now recognized as a leading rural behavioral health provider in northwestern Pennsylvania, serving Elk, Cameron, Potter, McKean, Forest, Warren, Jefferson and Clearfield counties.
