Michael J. Fitzpatrick Named NAMI National Executive Director

Posted on July 29, 2004

Arlington, VA — The NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) Board of Directors formally announced today the appointment of Michael J. Fitzpatrick as the national organization’s executive director. 

Since 1999 Fitzpatrick, a former Maine legislator, has served on NAMI’s national staff. Most recently, he served in a dual role as Director of NAMI’s Policy Research Institute and Policy Team. Since January 2004, he has been NAMI’s Acting Executive Director.

"Mike reflects NAMI’s heart and soul," said Margaret Stout, president of NAMI’s national Board. "He brings to the position an incredible breadth of knowledge and skills. He is the right person to lead NAMI at a significant juncture for our organization, as we observe our 25th anniversary and chart a course for the next generation."

"I am grateful for the trust that NAMI’s Board of Director’s has given me," said Fitzpatrick. "NAMI is a dynamic grassroots movement, composed of some of the most dedicated people in the world.  It remains a privilege to work with them to transform a fragmented and inadequate mental health care system into a cost-effective, evidence-based one, focused on recovery."

During the 1990s, Fitzpatrick’s career included service as the Executive Director of NAMI Maine. He also served in the Maine Legislature.  From 1994-1996, he was House Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, writing and passing significant legislation in the areas of welfare reform, reinvestment and children’s services.

He has been employed in senior management positions in state government, non-profit agencies and the private sector. He has developed successful education, employment, housing, outreach and rehabilitation programs. He also has served on numerous community, government and non-profit boards.

Before joining NAMI, Fitzpatrick was employed by the Spurwink Institute in Portland, Maine, in a dual policy and program role. He has an MSW in Administration and Planning from Boston College.