In a significant leadership transition, Connections Community Support Programs, the largest provider of behavioral health services in Delaware, has announced the appointment of Chief Operating Officer William Northey as its interim CEO. Northey steps into this role following the retirement of longtime CEO Catherine McKay, who officially stepped down in October of last year.
This shift marks a new chapter for Connections, which plays a vital role in delivering behavioral health, substance abuse treatment, and other essential services to residents throughout Delaware and parts of Maryland. Along with this leadership change, the organization has also welcomed two new members to its board of directors—Gloria Godson and Utma Taku—further signaling a refreshed strategic direction for the organization.
A New Interim CEO with a Deep Understanding of the Mission
William Northey brings a wealth of experience and familiarity to his new interim leadership role. Having joined Connections in 2017 as Chief Operating Officer, Northey has been instrumental in the organization’s operations over the past several years. His appointment as interim CEO suggests a desire for continuity as Connections navigates this transitional period.
In his previous role, Northey oversaw various aspects of the organization’s expansive operations, including behavioral health services, substance abuse treatment programs, and residential facilities. His deep understanding of both the organization and the communities it serves makes him a natural fit to step into this interim position.
Northey’s leadership comes at a crucial time, as demand for behavioral health services continues to grow both locally and nationwide. His focus is likely to center on maintaining service continuity, strengthening operations, and steering the organization through this leadership transition.
Farewell to Catherine McKay: A Legacy of Service
Catherine McKay’s retirement marks the end of an era for Connections Community Support Programs. Known for her long-standing commitment to improving behavioral health services in Delaware, McKay leaves behind a legacy of advocacy, innovation, and expansion.
Under McKay’s leadership, Connections significantly broadened its reach and services. She was pivotal in establishing many of the organization’s community programs, expanding treatment options for mental health and substance use disorders, and enhancing access to care for underserved populations.
Throughout her tenure, McKay also played a crucial role in expanding Connections’ footprint into Delaware’s correctional system, ensuring that incarcerated individuals have access to the behavioral health support they need to aid in their rehabilitation and reentry.
Her retirement may bring change, but it also offers the organization an opportunity to build upon the solid foundation she helped create.
About Connections Community Support Programs: A Statewide Leader
Founded in Wilmington, Delaware, Connections Community Support Programs has grown into the state’s largest behavioral health service provider. The organization currently operates more than 100 facilities throughout Delaware, offering a wide range of services including:
- Mental health counseling
- Substance abuse treatment programs
- Residential and outpatient treatment
- Community-based support services
- Psychiatric and medication-assisted treatments (MAT)
- Reentry programs for individuals leaving correctional facilities
In addition to its extensive network within Delaware, Connections also serves citizens on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and plays a vital role in delivering health services within Delaware’s prison system.
The organization’s mission centers on providing accessible, high-quality care that empowers individuals to recover from mental health challenges, overcome addiction, and reintegrate successfully into their communities.
New Board Members Bring Fresh Perspective
In conjunction with the leadership transition, Connections has appointed two new members to its board of directors: Gloria Godson and Utma Taku.
Gloria Godson
Gloria Godson brings a robust background in finance and strategic planning. With extensive experience in nonprofit and corporate environments, Godson is expected to offer valuable insights into financial management, fundraising, and operational efficiency—critical areas for any nonprofit organization, particularly one as large and complex as Connections.
Her addition to the board suggests an increased focus on fiscal stewardship and sustainability, ensuring that the organization can continue to expand its services while maintaining long-term financial health.
Utma Taku
Utma Taku offers a deep understanding of community health initiatives and program development. With a track record of working with community-based organizations, Taku is well-positioned to guide Connections in enhancing community outreach and strengthening partnerships with other local service providers.
Her appointment signals the organization’s ongoing commitment to community-driven care models and culturally competent services.
What These Changes Mean for Connections—and the Community
Leadership changes in an organization as impactful as Connections Community Support Programs naturally prompt questions about the future. However, the appointment of an experienced internal leader like William Northey, combined with the addition of talented new board members, suggests a thoughtful and deliberate approach to change.
The most immediate goal is likely ensuring continuity of care. With Northey’s operational experience, the organization can maintain a steady course, ensuring that programs and services continue without interruption.
In the longer term, the new leadership may seek to expand services, modernize operations, and strengthen partnerships throughout Delaware and beyond. With growing demand for behavioral health and substance abuse treatment services, there will be ample opportunity for Connections to increase its impact.
Additionally, the organization’s work with Delaware’s correctional facilities places it in a unique position to help address behavioral health needs among incarcerated populations, an area of increasing focus among public health advocates and policymakers.
Behavioral Health Needs Continue to Rise
The leadership changes at Connections Community Support Programs come at a pivotal time for behavioral health providers across the nation. Mental health and substance use disorder rates have been rising steadily for years, and the COVID-19 pandemic only intensified these challenges.
In Delaware, as in many other states, demand for treatment services has surged, placing added pressure on organizations like Connections to expand their capacity and adapt to new treatment models, such as telehealth and integrated care systems.
With the guidance of its interim CEO and new board members, Connections is well-positioned to respond to these challenges and remain a leader in the field.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Delaware’s Behavioral Health Leader
Connections Community Support Programs stands at an important crossroads as it welcomes interim CEO William Northey and two new board members. While leadership transitions can bring uncertainty, the organization appears committed to preserving its core mission while embracing new opportunities for growth and innovation.
With deep roots in Delaware and a legacy of impactful service, Connections is poised to continue supporting thousands of individuals and families across the state. Its leadership team, both new and existing, faces the challenge—and opportunity—of guiding the organization into its next chapter of community-based behavioral health care.
As Delaware’s largest behavioral health provider, Connections’ direction will continue to shape the landscape of treatment services throughout the region in the months and years ahead.
