New Britain, CT (April 1, 2025)- Community Mental Health Affiliates, Inc. (CMHA) has appointed Grace Cavallo, LCSW, as the agency’s new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective July 1, 2025. Cavallo will replace Raymond J. Gorman, who announced in October 2024 that he was stepping down after nearly 20 years leading CMHA.
“The Board of Directors is confident that Grace’s extensive experience coupled with a strong vision for CMHA’s future will lead us to even more success,” said CMHA Chairman of the Board of Directors Todd DeGroff. “CMHA will continue to shine as an authority in behavioral health care with Grace as President and CEO.”
Cavallo began her career at Child & Family Services in Newport, RI, where she worked for five years before being hired as a Senior Substance Abuse Counselor at CMHA in 2003. Cavallo has held progressively significant roles at CMHA, from Program Coordinator of the agency’s former inpatient substance abuse program to Clinical Director to Program Officer over outpatient, residential, and supportive housing programs. Cavallo has been CMHA’s Chief Operating Officer since 2020, overseeing more than 40 programs across central and northwest Connecticut.
Throughout more than two decades at CMHA, Cavallo has been instrumental in adapting and implementing innovative treatment models to better care for individuals seeking recovery from mental health and substance use issues.
"I have had the privilege of serving CMHA in various roles over the years, and I am deeply honored to step into the position of CEO. I am committed to broadening our impact, exploring innovative models of care, and fostering greater community involvement,” Cavallo said. “I look forward to leading us into this exciting next chapter of growth and continued dedication to the communities we serve. Together, we will uphold our mission, inspire resilience, and ensure greater access to behavioral health care for all."

“After a thorough and diligent search for the next CEO, I can say with utmost assurance that Grace Cavallo is the right choice to lead CMHA,” said outgoing CEO Gorman. “With Grace at the helm, I know that CMHA will continue to provide the highest quality care while expanding our services to more people in need.”

Community Mental Health Affiliates, Inc. (CMHA) is a private non-profit treatment provider headquartered in New Britain, with eight locations throughout central CT and in Waterbury. CMHA partners with clients and the community to promote recovery from mental illness and substance use, treating more than 7,500 adults and children each year. CMHA is Connecticut’s first fully Joint Commission accredited Behavioral Health Home and is a SAMHSA Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). Visit cmhacc.org to learn more.