Leadership Transition: Honoring Martin Schwartzman, PhD and Welcoming Debra Gannon, M.A., M.S., LPC, as Chief of Program Operations
Bridges Healthcare is proud to announce the leadership transition, celebrate the extraordinary career of Dr. Martin Schwartzman, who is retiring after more than four decades (47 years) of dedicated service, and welcome Debra Daly-Gannon, M.A., M.S., LPC, as our new Chief of Program Operations.
Celebrating a Remarkable Legacy
Dr. Martin (Marty) Schwartzman’s impact on Bridges is both profound and enduring. His journey with the organization began in 1979, during what was then the Milford Mental Health Clinic, where he served as a Staff Psychologist providing prevention services, evaluations, and treatment to children, adolescents, and families.
Marty Schwartzman at work, 1987.
Over the years, Marty grew alongside the organization, taking on increasing leadership responsibilities. From Program Supervisor to Director of Family and Children’s Services, he helped oversee and strengthen critical programs, including Outpatient Child and Family Services, Care Coordination, Intensive In-home Child and Adolescent Services (IICAPS), Intensive Family Preservation, and Prevention Programming, while providing clinical and administrative leadership.
In 2015, Marty became Chief of Program Operations, where he provided clinical and operational oversight for more than 20 programs and services spanning the lifespan. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing Bridges’ mission. Marty has made innumerable contributions to Bridges Healthcare and supported the agency through a number of large initiatives and expansions in the last five years.
Marty’s leadership, deep expertise, and commitment to clients and staff have left a great mark on the organization. His contributions will continue to shape Bridges for years to come.
Welcoming Debra Daly-Gannon, M.A., M.S., LPC
As we look to the future, we are excited to welcome Debra (Deb) Daly-Gannon, M.A., M.S., LPC, as Chief of Program Operations.
Deb brings decades of experience in the human services field, including 13 years with Bridges. Over the course of her career, she has served in a wide range of clinical and leadership roles, including Care Coordination Supervisor, IICAPS Clinician and Supervisor, Outpatient Clinician, and Director of key initiatives such as the CCBHC and MATPDOA grants.
A Licensed Professional Counselor in Connecticut, Deb has extensive experience in program development and implementation, grant writing, and clinical supervision. She has worked closely with state and federal partners to implement large-scale programs and improve outcomes across mental health, substance use, and primary care services.
Her deep knowledge of Bridges’ programs, combined with her collaborative and person-centered approach, positions her well to lead the organization’s clinical and operational work into the future.
Reflecting on her journey and the time she shared with Marty, Deb shared:
“Working at Bridges throughout the years has allowed me the opportunity to learn from the many dedicated and talented staff who are so committed to the wellbeing of the clients we serve. I am especially grateful for the years of mentorship and guidance provided to me by Dr. Marty Schwartzman in his role as Chief of Program Operations. I have learned a great deal from Marty and hope to carry on his legacy of commitment and strong work ethic on behalf of the agency.”
Looking Ahead
This transition marks both the end of an era and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Bridges. We extend our deepest gratitude to Marty for his decades of leadership and service, and we look forward to the continued growth and impact of our programs under Deb’s leadership.