After more than three decades of unwavering leadership, Katherine Wilson, the founding CEO of Springfield, Massachusetts-based Behavioral Health Network (BHN), has announced her retirement. Wilson, who has led BHN since its formation in 1992, will officially step down in June, marking the end of an era for western Massachusetts’ largest behavioral health services provider.
Taking her place will be Steven Winn, BHN’s current Chief Operating Officer, who has been with the organization since 1995 and has served in various leadership roles over the years, including his most recent post as COO since 2017.
This leadership transition comes at a pivotal time for the organization, which has grown into a regional powerhouse for mental health, addiction recovery, and intellectual and developmental disability services. BHN’s far-reaching impact includes services for thousands of individuals and families across western Massachusetts through its 40 locations, supported by an annual operating budget of more than $115 million.
Katherine Wilson’s Legacy: Three Decades of Visionary Leadership
Katherine Wilson’s retirement marks the culmination of a remarkable career in behavioral health. A trained psychotherapist, Wilson began her professional journey in private practice as a family therapist before joining Massachusetts’ Department of Mental Health. There, she gained invaluable experience working within the state’s mental health system and deepened her commitment to expanding access to behavioral health services.
Her leadership journey with BHN began when she took on an executive role at Community Care Mental Health Center, one of four regional nonprofits dedicated to behavioral health in western Massachusetts. Under her guidance, Community Care joined forces with three other organizations—Child Guidance Clinic, Agawam Counseling Center, and Hampden District Mental Health Clinic—to form what is now Behavioral Health Network in 1992.
At the time of its founding, BHN represented an ambitious vision for collaborative, community-based behavioral health care. Wilson’s leadership was instrumental in uniting these organizations and creating a single, streamlined provider focused on delivering comprehensive care to individuals across all age groups and needs.
Throughout her tenure, Wilson has been widely recognized for her dedication to ensuring that mental health and addiction treatment services remain accessible, effective, and responsive to the needs of the community. Her focus on integrated care, community collaboration, and clinical excellence has shaped BHN into the organization it is today.
Growth and Impact Under Wilson’s Leadership
Under Wilson’s leadership, BHN has seen extraordinary growth and transformation. From its early days as a small regional coalition, BHN has grown into the largest behavioral health care organization in western Massachusetts.
Today, the organization operates over 40 locations throughout the region, serving thousands of individuals and families each year. Its wide-ranging services include:
- Mental Health Services: Outpatient counseling, psychiatric care, crisis stabilization, and community-based support.
- Addiction Recovery Programs: Residential treatment, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), detoxification services, and outpatient recovery programs.
- Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services: Residential programs, family support, vocational training, and day programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
BHN is also a vital partner in community-based initiatives that address homelessness, trauma recovery, and juvenile justice. The organization’s ability to offer a full continuum of care—ranging from prevention and early intervention to intensive treatment—has positioned it as a leader not only in the Pioneer Valley, but also across Massachusetts.
With an annual budget exceeding $115 million, BHN has become a major force in regional health care, providing employment for hundreds of staff members, including therapists, case managers, psychiatric providers, and administrative professionals.
Steven Winn: A Familiar Leader Ready to Take the Helm
As Katherine Wilson prepares for her well-earned retirement, BHN’s board of directors has tapped a familiar face to lead the organization forward. Steven Winn, currently serving as Chief Operating Officer, has been a key part of BHN’s leadership team for nearly three decades.
Winn’s history with BHN dates back to 1995, and his extensive experience in both operations and clinical program management make him well-suited to guide the organization through its next phase. As COO since 2017, he has been directly involved in managing BHN’s expansive network of services and has played a crucial role in expanding its footprint throughout the region.
With deep institutional knowledge and a shared commitment to BHN’s mission, Winn is expected to provide both continuity and fresh perspective as the organization adapts to new challenges in behavioral health care delivery.
The board’s decision to promote from within also reflects confidence in BHN’s current direction. As health care continues to shift toward integrated, community-based care models, Winn’s operational experience will be invaluable in sustaining BHN’s high standards of service while continuing to grow and innovate.
The Road Ahead for BHN
As BHN prepares for this leadership transition, the organization remains focused on meeting the region’s growing behavioral health needs. Like many providers across the country, BHN faces increasing demand for mental health and addiction recovery services, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The need for accessible, affordable behavioral health care has never been greater. Behavioral health providers in Massachusetts—and nationwide—are grappling with issues such as:
- Workforce Shortages: Recruiting and retaining qualified staff continues to be a major challenge across the behavioral health sector.
- Rising Mental Health Needs: Rates of depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders have surged, creating heightened demand for care.
- Integration of Care: More emphasis is being placed on integrating behavioral health with primary care and other health services to improve outcomes.
- Reimbursement Challenges: Providers are working to navigate complex payment models and secure sustainable funding for critical programs.
With Steven Winn stepping into the CEO role, BHN is well-positioned to address these challenges. His leadership will likely focus on maintaining service continuity, expanding innovative programs, and advocating for policies that support access to care and the sustainability of behavioral health providers.
Honoring a Legacy and Embracing the Future
Katherine Wilson’s departure from BHN marks not just the end of a distinguished career, but also the conclusion of a defining chapter in the region’s behavioral health history. Her decades of leadership leave behind an enduring legacy of compassion, collaboration, and excellence.
At the same time, Steven Winn’s appointment signals a steady hand at the wheel as BHN looks toward the future. With its strong foundation and dedicated staff, the organization is poised to continue serving as a lifeline for individuals and families seeking mental health, addiction recovery, and developmental disability services across western Massachusetts.
As the behavioral health landscape evolves, BHN’s commitment to community-based care and holistic support will remain at the heart of its mission—guided by new leadership but deeply rooted in the principles that Katherine Wilson spent her career championing.
