WESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources has announced a new Chief Executive Officer for one of the state’s mental facilities.
Patrick W. Ryan will take over the role at William R. Sharpe, Jr. Hospital in Weston, effective August 17, according to Cabinet Secretary Karen L. Bowling on Monday.
“Pat is a well-respected behavioral health professional in our state,” Bowling said. “His working knowledge of the issues facing the field and his established regional and state relationships will greatly benefit him in this position.”
Since 2008, Ryan has served as Regional Director of Operations for Diamond Healthcare and Director of Behavioral Medicine at Fairmont Medical Center, which included administrative oversight of psychiatric inpatient and outpatient programs at 7 facilities in Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
His 25 years of health care service includes work at Horizon Health-Camden Clark Memorial Hospital, United Summit Center, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Valley Comprehensive Community Mental Health Center, and the former Weston State Hospital.
“My start in behavioral health was at the old Weston State Hospital many years ago,” Ryan said. “The patients we cared for and the people I worked with provided the foundation of my professional career. I feel blessed to be able to, in a sense, ‘come home’ and be in a position to work with many of the same folks as we overcome the challenges that the system currently faces.”
Ryan holds an MA in psychology from Marshall University and a BA in psychology from Elon College.
He replaces Kim Walsh, Deputy Commissioner of Programs for the DHHR’s Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities, who has served as interim CEO since December 4, 2014.
“I greatly appreciate Kim’s leadership and dedication to the staff and patients of William R. Sharpe, Jr. Hospital during this transition period,” Bowling said.
Additionally, Randy Housh was named Assistant CEO of William R. Sharpe, Jr. Hospital effective July 16, 2015.
For the past 12 years, Randy has been an employee of Seneca Health Services Inc. in Summersville and has worked in the field of social services, behavioral health and non-profit management. In 2011, he was appointed to serve on the Governor’s Advisory Council on Substance Abuse.