President NAMI Board of Directors
EmailCathryn Nacario, BSN-RN, PHN, MHA is President of the NAMI Board of Directors, previously served as the NAMI Board First-Vice President and Secretary and is the current CEO of NAMI San Diego.
She has dedicated her work with NAMI San Diego to growing the organization to further serve the communities of San Diego and Imperial Counties and to increase access and early intervention for all with mental health needs. As CEO of the largest NAMI Affiliate in the nation, Cathryn is responsible for the strategic planning and operational oversight.
Cathryn has been named one of San Diego Business Journal’s Top 500 Most Influential Business Leaders in San Diego County and has earned a significant media and podcast presence on mental health. She currently serves as the Immediate Past President for the Mental Health Contractors Association, PERT (CIT) Advisory Committee, as a Board member for the Special Needs Trust Foundation, the Board Secretary for Restoring Citizens, an appointed member of San Diego County Board of Supervisors Workforce Steering Committee and a member of the Hospital Association of San Diego & Imperial Counties.
Cathryn has been in the healthcare field for over 30 years working with vulnerable rural and urban populations and has extensive local, state and federal advocacy experience in educating their elected officials for healthcare parity and increased access to services.
She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, Masters in Healthcare Administration and Public Health Nurse Certification.
NAMI HelpLine is available M-F, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET. Call 800-950-6264,
text “helpline” to 62640, or chat online. In a crisis, call or text 988 (24/7).