A new president and chief executive officer has been selected to lead Mental Health Colorado, an advocacy organization for mental health and substance use.

Vincent Atchity will provide strategic leadership to help Mental Health Colorado achieve its mission of promoting mental wellness, ending stigma, and ensuring equitable access to mental health and substance use services, according to a news release.

Atchity served as executive director of The Equitas Project, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to disentangle mental health and criminal justice by activating leaders, influencing policy, and spurring innovation. He was responsible for guiding start-up of the organization, leading public relations, and project expansion.

As an accomplished, collaborative leader in public health, Atchity’s multi-industry expertise will leverage a statewide network of partners in advocacy, health care, government, education, public safety, and the justice system to drive systemic transformation to Colorado’s mental health landscape.

“Every Coloradan has a role to play in supporting improved mental health,” Atchity said in the news release. “There can be no passive waiting for someone somewhere else to do something. I look forward to joining Mental Health Colorado in continuing to advance collaborative, cross-sector efforts to improve mental health and access to quality care.”

In tandem with its partners, Mental Health Colorado’s 2019 policy efforts secured $20 million for mental health and substance use services and supports.

“We are very pleased to have Vincent Atchity join the Mental Health Colorado team,” Mental Health Colorado Director of Advocacy Moe Keller said in the release. “Vincent brings so much knowledge and passion around mental health, and we are looking forward to his leadership. From my previous years working with Vincent, I know his collaborative and inclusive style will serve us well.”

Shortly after the end of 2018, former president and CEO Andrew Romanoff stepped down after four years at the helm.