Bridges Healthcare, Inc., announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Jennifer Fiorillo, MPH, MBA as Chief Executive Officer and President effective June 4, 2020. Ms. Fiorillo has served as Chief of Performance, Strategy and Planning for the agency since 2016.

“Jennifer has proven to be an effective leader with the experience, vision and ability to bring people together to advance the mission of our organization for the benefit of all those we serve,” stated Michelle LeMere, Chair of Bridges’ Board of Directors. “As a board, we look forward to our continued work with the entire Bridges staff under Jen’s leadership to implement several important new programs.”

Since joining Bridges in 2016, Ms. Fiorillo has led a number of transformative initiatives to improve the quality and consistency of care clients receive, including integrating services with internal and external primary and specialty care providers, gaining Gold Seal status with the Joint Commission, and improving technology and financial positions for the agency. She has steered the agency through the COVID-19 pandemic and is in the process of implementing a major Federal grant program for Bridges to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, with expanded services in West Haven.

“I am proud to be leading Bridges, especially at this time of growth and innovation. Bridges staff is second to none in terms of commitment to our clients. We are learning new approaches and methods of treatment to help individuals recover from mental health and substance use disorders, and it is gratifying to witness the quality of life improvements for so many. At the same time, we are in an extremely challenging period of time to for our society and we must continue to provide high quality programs and services to all in our community who are in need,” stated Fiorillo.

Ms. Fiorillo has an extensive background in behavioral health, business management, quality, compliance and program development. Prior to joining Bridges she was the Director of CommuniCare, Inc., a behavioral healthcare partner of Bridges headquarted in New Haven. She received her Masters in Public Health from Southern Connecticut State University in 1999 and Masters in Business Administration from Post University in 2010.

Bridges offers a comprehensive range of mental health and substance use services. More than 8,000 area residents received assistance from Bridges in 2019. With its headquarters in Milford, CT, Bridges chief service area includes Milford, Orange and West Haven and extends to several other area towns.