CRESTVIEW — Bridgeway Center Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer Daniel Cobbs has announced his plan to retire from BCI on July 31.
The Board of Trustees voted unanimously in January that Bonnie R. Barlow, BCI’s current chief operating officer, will become chief executive officer Aug. 1.
She has been with BCI for approximately 30 years, with 27 years of management experience responsibilities. She will ensure continuity of leadership and the successful trajectory Cobbs created for the organization.
BCI’s top six achievements over the past 25 years are:
•National accreditation awards for 24 consecutive years.
•Behavioral Insight Interviewing technique for a cohesive talented, diverse BCI workforce.
•Transformation to Information Technology systems in all areas to be paperless, with electronic documentation for increased efficiency and effectiveness.
•Strategic partnership with ABH of Lakeview Center, Inc. and Chautauqua Health Services for a "full risk" contract with Medicaid health maintenance organizations capitation. This requires that BCI pay for behavioral health inpatient hospital admissions for Okaloosa residents.
•On-site pharmacy services at BCI outpatient locations in Fort Walton Beach and Crestview.
•Creation of the Children’s Specialty Services for Coordination of Care with Early Childhood Court, and the activation of BCI’s Community Action Team. The CAT is on-call 24 hours a day for children with behavioral health disorders and their families. This includes the therapeutic focus on parenting skills.
Les Chambers, 2017 board chair, and Doug Burgess, 2018 board chair, stated, "The BCI Board of Trustees appreciates Daniel Cobbs’ leadership. Since January 1993, Dan has been the chief architect and vital element in the development and success of Bridgeway Center, Inc. The board and staff will miss Dan and his inspiring authentic leadership. We wish him much success in the future. We want to thank Dan for over 25 years of dedicated service, which involved many significant accomplishments."
Cobbs is retiring to be more active with outdoor sports, cooking and volunteering.
"While I will miss everyone at BCI as I move into this next chapter of my life, I plan to continue my support of BCI and the work that has become so important for children and families who have or are currently at risk with behavioral health care (mental illness or substance use disorders)," he said.
"I want to give my deepest gratitude to all who have been so supportive of Bridgeway Center Inc. and to me personally over the years: BCI team members, Board of Trustees, and, of course, our community partners. Without everyone, BCI would not be as strong and vibrant as it is. It has been an honor to have been the leader of this valuable organization."
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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Bridgeway CEO to retire; replacement named