Suncoast Center names new CEO

Suncoast Center, a nonprofit that provides mental health, substance abuse and sexual assault services throughout Pinellas County, has named its new president and chief executive officer.

Jean D. Pierre will assume the leadership role Aug. 26. Pierre’s appointment follows a national search conducted by the Suncoast Center Board of Trustees in collaboration with JDi Behavioral Health Consultants & Recruiters.

“Jean has deep experience in the behavioral health field and a successful record of building long-lasting and impactful community collaborations,” said Cindy Stokes, Chair of the Suncoast Center Board of Trustees, in a prepared statement. “On behalf of my fellow board members, we are confident that Jean’s leadership will drive the organization forward and strengthen its reputation for high-quality behavioral health services in our community.”

Pierre’s appointment comes as Barbara Daire, the departing President and CEO, announced her retirement earlier this year. 

Pierre, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has spent more than 15 years in leadership positions at Community Health of South Florida, most recently serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Behavioral Health Officer. Pierre’s background includes more than a decade of experience in social services, ranging from direct service provision to contract monitoring for social service entities.

“I am excited to contribute to improving behavioral health and well-being in our community,” Pierre told the Catalyst.

Pierre earned a bachelor’s degree in social work in 2002 and a master’s degree in social work in 2007. In 2012, Pierre became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He is also credentialed as a qualified supervisor by the Florida Department of Health.

Suncoast Center, which was founded in 1944, serves more than 20,000 children, adults and families with behavioral health concerns and sexual assault trauma each year. Its operation budget in 2023 was $22.7 million. In his new role as president and CEO, Pierre said he hopes to continue elevating the nonprofit’s mission of strengthening, protecting and restoring lives. 

“This is an opportunity to continue and build upon a legacy of exceptional healthcare for the community, and that gives me a strong sense of purpose and drive,” Pierre said in a prepared statement. “I look forward to upholding the values of transparency, accountability, and community engagement as we work together to further the mission of the Suncoast Center.”

Jeri Davis, President & CEO of JDi Behavioral Health Consultants & Recruiters, highlighted the collaborative nature of the search process that led to Pierre’s selection.

“The Suncoast Center Board of Trustees, senior executives, and the mental health community at large all stepped up to help identify an experienced senior executive who is deeply committed to serving the Tampa Bay area and the mental health needs of its residents,” said Davis.

In addition to providing emotional wellness, trauma and sexual assault services, Suncoast Center operates a suicide prevention program that includes a suicide hotline. More information about the nonprofit is available on its website, suncoastcenter.org.

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