Governor McKee Nominates Richard Leclerc to Serve as Director of the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals

PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee and Health and Human Services Secretary Richard Charest today announced Richard Leclerc as their choice for the Director of the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH). The Governor has submitted Leclerc’s name to the Rhode Island Senate for advice and consent. 

"I am proud to nominate Richard, who has significant federal and state experience in mental and behavioral health which will be crucial to our Administration’s goal to improve health outcomes across Rhode Island,” said Governor Dan McKee. "I know that Richard's decades spent in the healthcare field have prepared him to hit the ground running on day one." 

“Under Governor McKee’s administration, there have been significant improvements at BHDDH and it was critically important to find a new director that has the right leadership and expertise to continue the work,” said Executive Office of Health and Human Services Secretary Richard Charest. “I have had the opportunity to work with Richard as the state implements the CCBHC model here in Rhode Island. This initiative – which will expand high-quality, evidence-based mental health and substance use services to help Rhode Islanders – is a priority for the next BHDDH Director and I am confident that Richard’s extensive behavioral health experience will benefit not only this initiative but the agency as a whole.” 

Leclerc has over four decades of experience in the healthcare field. He most recently served as a consultant for BHDDH where he supported the development of statewide Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) in Rhode Island, providing strategic guidance on federal compliance, budgeting, and staffing. 

He previously served as project director at Newport Mental Health where he was responsible for implementing millions of dollars in federal grants, including the implementation of evidence-based practices, care coordination agreements, and outcome measurements. Leclerc was President and CEO of Gateway Healthcare, the largest nonprofit behavioral healthcare provider in Rhode Island. He was also an adjunct professor at Rhode Island College and a Policy Associate at the Substance Use and Mental Health Leadership Council. 

“I am grateful for the Governor’s and Secretary’s confidence in me in appointing me to the position of Director of BHDDH. I am humbled by this opportunity and challenge,” said Richard Leclerc. “If confirmed by the Senate, I look forward to working with the staff and leadership team at BHDDH and with my colleagues in other departments to improve the health, welfare, and wellbeing of all Rhode Islanders.”  

Leclerc has previously served as Chair of the Governor’s Council on Behavioral Health, the Rhode Island Council of Community Mental Health Organizations, and the Rhode Island Quality Institute. He was a member of several boards and task forces including the United Healthcare/Optum Advisory Task Force, the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission Task Force (MACPAC), and the National Council for Behavioral Health. Leclerc is also a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. 

Leclerc received a master's degree in social work from Boston College. He and his family are residents of Narragansett. 

###