Riverdale Mental Health Assoc. Introduces Incoming Director

At its Thu., Oct. 20 annual meeting, the Riverdale Mental Health Association will introduce incoming Executive Director Dr. Donna Demetri Friedman to address important new developments and her vision for RMHA in 2017 and beyond. Friedman, who succeeds Robert Brewster on Jan. 1, is a licensed social worker, an NYU adjunct associate professor and, for the last 10 years, the deputy executive director of RMHA.

"As New York State's behavioral and overall healthcare systems become integrated, RMHA is poised to maintain its focus on high quality, personalized care for our community while meeting the technological and fiscal demands of this challenge," said Friedman, a former marketing manager for Nestlé Foods, who earned doctorate and master's degrees in clinical social work from NYU as well as a master's in clinical psychology.

"I am excited to take the lead in this endeavor and look forward to partnering with our board, legislators and other community organizations to do so," added Friedman.

Dr. Friedman has been with the agency for 23 years and was a resident of Riverdale for over a decade. She is to become the fourth executive director of RMHA, which was founded in 1959. Brewster announced his retirement in the spring after a decade in the role and 36 years with the organization.

The 7:30 p.m. public program, at the Society for Ethical Culture, 4450 Fieldston Rd., Riverdale, is also an opportunity for the community to hear from those who have personally experienced RMHA's range of behavioral health services for people of all ages in the Bronx, Manhattan and Westchester. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.