Editor’s note: This article is by Robert Audette of the Brattleboro Reformer, in which it was first published Nov. 3, 2015.
BRATTLEBORO — The Brattleboro Retreat announced that its board of trustees has appointed Louis Josephson as the hospital’s new president and chief executive officer. He will start March 1 after moving to Brattleboro.
“I am thrilled to have been chosen to lead such an outstanding organization, and grateful to be following Rob Simpson after all he has accomplished at the Retreat,” said Josephson. “Vermonters and people in surrounding communities deserve an outstanding mental health resource and I am committed to continuing the Retreat’s drive to provide premier psychiatric and addiction care.”
Josephson holds a doctorate in clinical social work from NYU, a master’s degree in social work from the Columbia University School of Social Work, and a bachelor’s in English from Tufts University. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
The appointment of Josephson is the culmination of a lengthy national search to replace the Retreat’s outgoing President and CEO Dr. Robert E. Simpson Jr., who will step down Dec. 31 after nine years with the organization.
“I am looking forward to being part of the community in southern Vermont,” said Josephson. “It will be a privilege to live, work, and participate in such a vibrant and caring place.”
Josephson told the Reformer he is familiar with the Brattleboro Retreat due to his time in New Hampshire.
“The Retreat is one of the few remaining free-standing mental health facilities in the eastern United States. It’s a huge resource for Vermont and the entire region,” he said.
“I am aware of the trajectory that he took with the Retreat. He has made a lot of great decisions, expanded the Retreat’s care and offered new programs. I am fortunate to follow somebody that is that good.”
At the same time, Stephenson said the Retreat’s mission will prove to be challenging for anyone who might take on the job after Simpson.
“The goal for me and the organization will be to ensure an outstanding patient experience, including patient safety at all levels of care. I need to be able to look into the eyes of my patients and their families every day and tell them their loved ones are receiving excellent, compassionate and safe care.”
The Retreat has experienced a number of serious issues in recent years, including an investigation by the Vermont attorney general into allegations of Medicaid fraud. The hospital has also been ordered to take corrective action to improve patient care by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
“It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Dr. Josephson to the Brattleboro Retreat and to the entire state of Vermont,” said Board Chairwoman Elizabeth Catlin. “Our ability to attract such a high caliber candidate speaks volumes about the Retreat’s mission, history, and ongoing commitment to providing quality, compassionate care. We are blessed to be passing the torch to another exceptional leader who has the vision, skill, and heart to continue growing and strengthening the hospital and also to provide an exciting new start that’s filled with opportunities.”
Josephson and his wife, Sandra, have been married for 30 years. They have a son who is in college and a daughter who is a high school senior.
Though he and his family enjoy living in California, he said, he and his wife are looking forward to moving to Windham County.
“These types of opportunities don’t come along often in my career field, and I have had a two-year break from shoveling snow from my roof anyway.”
Bob Audette can be contacted at 802-254-2311, ext. 160.
