Press Release: 3/26/2026

Emily Bailey Appointed Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

3/25/2026

MEDIA CONTACT

Olivia James, Deputy Communications Director

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Call Olivia James, Deputy Communications Director at 617-549-9658

 Online

Email Olivia James, Deputy Communications Director at olivia.james2@mass.gov

BOSTON — Today, Secretary of Health and Human Services Kiame Mahaniah, MD announced that Emily Bailey has been appointed Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health (DMH) effective April 12. Bailey brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across state government, Medicaid, Medicare, commercial health plans and community‑based care. She has dedicated her career to transforming complex systems to deliver integrated, person‑centered mental health care for individuals with mental health needs, disabilities and social risk factors. Beth Lucas, who has served as Acting Commissioner since October 2025, is returning to her prior role as the Deputy Commissioner for Mental Health Services where she will continue to oversee the DMH community service system.

“Emily’s extensive experience as a behavioral health leader combined with her deep compassion for our neighbors served by the Department of Mental Health will position the agency well to meet this moment of rising need for DMH’s services,” said Secretary Mahaniah. “Emily will further DMH’s mission to support the continuum of mental health care needs across our state, from acute care for our state’s most vulnerable children and adults with complex mental health needs, to upstream mental wellness and prevention that is so important, particularly for our young people.”

“It is a profound honor to join the Department of Mental Health at a moment when the need for accessible, equitable mental health care has never been clearer,” said Bailey. “The Department’s dedicated staff and agency partners have driven meaningful progress in strengthening our behavioral health system, and I am committed to building on that work with urgency, partnership, and collaboration. I look forward to working alongside stakeholders across the Commonwealth to expand services, reduce barriers, and support individuals and families in every community.”

Bailey most recently served as Senior Vice President at Commonwealth Care Alliance, where she led clinical strategy, operations, and innovation for populations with complex medical and behavioral health needs. Her prior public sector leadership includes serving as Chief of Behavioral Health at MassHealth, where she oversaw statewide behavioral health policy, program design and implementation. She played a central role in major system reforms, including the launch of the Community Behavioral Health Centers, including expansion of community‑based crisis services.

Bailey has also held executive roles at Point32Health and Carelon, where she led behavioral health strategy, population health initiatives, and cross‑sector partnerships focused on improving outcomes, treatment access, and quality. Throughout her career, Bailey has been a champion for reducing stigma, improving access to treatment, and improving the experience of interfacing with the mental health system. She is known for her collaborative leadership style, operational rigor and ability to bring together state agencies, providers, advocates and communities to drive meaningful, sustainable change. Bailey holds a Master of Social Work degree and lives in Medford, with her husband and son. 

Statements of Support 

Lydia Conley, President & CEO, Association for Behavioral Healthcare:

“We look forward to working with incoming Commissioner Emily Bailey, who brings her extensive experience as a behavioral health leader at MassHealth, within health plans, and as a practitioner. She has been a critical partner to safety net behavioral health providers.  Her governmental and private sector experience will be essential in the coming months and years, which will require strong cross-sector partnerships.  We are also grateful for the strong stewardship of Beth Lucas, whose leadership ensured stability and continuity for the Department, and even more important, those it serves.”

Danna Mauch, President and CEO, Massachusetts Association for Mental Health

“MAMH is pleased to welcome Emily Bailey as the Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health. Emily’s dedication and experience through her service at MassHealth, Commonwealth Care Alliance, and her pivotal role in formation of the Behavioral Health Roadmap prepare her to effectively advance the DMH mission to provide access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services for children and adults living with mental health conditions.” 

Suzanne Curry, Director of Policy Initiatives at Health Care For All

“Emily Bailey’s decades of experience focused on breaking down barriers to behavioral health care and supportive services for individuals and families make her an excellent choice to lead the Department of Mental Health. As Chief of Behavioral Health at MassHealth, she helped drive implementation of the Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform, improving access to timely behavioral health care for people right in their communities. We look forward to working with Commissioner Bailey to build on this progress towards a more equitable and accessible behavioral health system.”