Press Release: BHcare Announces Leadership Transition
Melissa Simoni
CONTACT: Melissa Simoni
BHcare, Director of Development & Marketing
C: 203-996-8527
msi...@bhcare.org
BHcare Announces Leadership Transition: President & CEO Roberta Cook to Retire; Emily Granelli Appointed Successor
North Haven, CT (July 2, 2026) — After more than 30 years of dedicated service, including nearly 20 years as President and CEO, Roberta Cook has announced that she will retire in December 2026. Roberta's vision, compassion, and steadfast commitment have helped shape BHcare into the organization it is today, expanding access to care and transforming the lives of thousands of children, adults, and families throughout our community.
Following a thorough and thoughtful succession planning process, BHcare's Board of Directors has appointed Emily Granelli, the organization's current Chief Business Development Officer, as BHcare's next President and CEO.
Over the next several months, Roberta and Emily will work side by side to ensure a seamless transition for clients, employees, volunteers, community partners, and supporters.
"Serving BHcare has been the honor of my career," said Roberta Cook. "Together, we have built an organization that transforms lives every day, and I am incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished. Emily is a visionary leader who understands our mission, our communities, and the future of behavioral healthcare. I have complete confidence that BHcare's best days are still ahead."
"On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank Roberta for her extraordinary leadership and decades of service to BHcare. Her vision has strengthened this organization and expanded its impact throughout our community," said Mike Gulish, Chair of the BHcare Board of Directors. "The Board has every confidence in Emily's leadership. She has been instrumental in BHcare's growth and success over the past 20 years, and we know she will build on our strong foundation while leading the organization into an exciting new chapter."
Emily joined BHcare, then known as Harbor Health Services, in 2006 as Director of Public Relations and Development. During the past two decades, she has helped shape BHcare's growth and strategic direction, leading efforts in strategic planning, business development, public policy, communications, fundraising, and organizational advancement. She has played a key role in expanding services, strengthening community partnerships, securing critical funding, and advancing BHcare's mission throughout the communities it serves.
"Emily has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to BHcare's mission," said Sean Thomas, Chair of the BHcare Board Transition Committee. "The Board is confident she is the right leader to guide BHcare into the future."
"I am honored by the Board's confidence and grateful to Roberta for her mentorship and leadership," said Emily Granelli. "BHcare has built an extraordinary legacy of serving individuals and families with compassion and excellence. I look forward to building on that foundation by expanding access to care, fostering innovation, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring BHcare continues to meet the evolving needs of our communities."
While BHcare's leadership will change, its mission remains steadfast: providing compassionate, high-quality care that helps individuals and families achieve hope, health, and recovery. With a thoughtful transition plan in place and experienced leadership at the helm, BHcare is well positioned to continue serving the community while building for the future.
BHcare is a nonprofit Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic that provides a compassionate, comprehensive, and integrated system of care for adults, children, and families struggling with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, domestic violence, and other health-risk behaviors. BHcare builds healthier communities where all can thrive by fostering resilience, promoting recovery, and empowering individuals to achieve their fullest potential.
Headquartered in North Haven, Connecticut, BHcare serves more than 16,000 children, adults, and families each year throughout Greater New Haven and the Lower Naugatuck Valley through comprehensive mental health, substance use, domestic violence, prevention, housing, and family support services.
For more information, visit bhcare.org.
BHcare, Inc.
127 Washington Avenue, 3rd Fl West
North Haven, CT 06473
devel...@bhcare.org
Office: (203) 446-9739
