Community Mental Health Affiliates (CMHA) announced that Raymond J. Gorman, President and CEO since 2006, will be stepping down in June 2025. CMHA’s Board of Directors has undertaken a comprehensive process to select the next CEO.

“Ray’s vision for CMHA and its future has been unmatched. He is greatly respected by the agency’s staff and clients, as well as local legislators and fellow community leaders,” said CMHA Chairman of the Board of Directors Todd DeGroff. “As the Board embarks on a search for the new President and CEO, we look forward to CMHA continuing to be a leader in behavioral health care.”

Gorman, a Waterbury native who resides in Newington, began his career in healthcare in 1985 with the Connecticut Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (DMHAS), where Governor John Rowland appointed him as Deputy Commissioner in 1995. As Deputy Commissioner, he oversaw the closure of two antiquated state hospitals, centralized DMHAS inpatient services at CT Valley Hospital in Middletown, and helped develop the community system of care that exists today.

In 1996 Gorman was appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the General Assembly as the Commissioner of the Office of Health Care Access (OHCA), now known as the Office of Health Strategy. In that role, Gorman presided over the Certificate of Need regulatory process that governed hospital and healthcare providers. In his six years as Commissioner, he rendered over 300 binding decisions related to hospitals and healthcare, including the first Connecticut hospital acquired by a for-profit entity and the closures and consolidation of underperforming hospitals. In addition to his State service, Gorman was the Director of Community Health Services’ New London and New Britain sites as well as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at The Village in Hartford.

Throughout his career, Gorman has demonstrated exceptional leadership in various high-impact roles. Gorman's strategic vision and dedication have significantly impacted Connecticut's healthcare landscape. Gorman joined CMHA as a consultant in 2005 and became President and CEO in 2006. Over the past 18 years, he has led the organization with distinction, driving significant innovation and guiding it through profound changes. He has propelled CMHA’s dynamic transformation while nurturing essential community services. Under his leadership, numerous capital and expansion projects have been completed. The purchase and renovation of CMHA’s flagship location at 233 Main Street in New Britain reflects a significant investment in the future of innovative community behavioral health care and a commitment to the revitalization of downtown New Britain.

Gorman has also spearheaded the acquisition of two Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics in Central and Northwest Connecticut, increasing access to mental health and substance use care for all regardless of their age, ability to pay, or place of residence. In September 2024, CMHA acquired a 12-bed residential property in New Britain and expanded the affordable housing market in Connecticut. This was the eighth facility purchase under Gorman’s leadership since 2016 as part of a strategy to increase long-term equity and provide program stability. Since 2006, CMHA’s operating budget has increased by more than 250%, revenue is more diversified, and the organization is financially stable. CMHA’s client census also grew by over 30%, all while maintaining high client satisfaction.

Asked about his proudest accomplishments, Gorman stated, “I don’t like to think of any accomplishments as “mine.” All the remarkable success the agency has enjoyed over the years is because of the talented and hard-working people here at CMHA. It has been a pleasure and honor to work with them.”