Listen to this article 5 min
The National Alliance on Mental Illness Davidson Co. has a new leader.
The Nashville-based nonprofit has named Sherilyn Duckworth as its executive director, according to a press release. She will lead the organization that’s dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with mental illness and their families.
“Her personal passion for the challenges people with mental illness face today combined with her professional experience leading similar organizations and her deep educational background in the mental health space makes her the ideal executive director,” said Matt Loftus, chairman of the board for the nonprofit, in the release.
The pandemic shone a light on the nation’s mental health crisis, with 22.8% of U.S. adults experiencing a mental illness in 2021, according to the National Alliance on Mental Health. Nashville's health care leaders have spoken publicly about how the health and well-being of residents directly impacts the local economy and business community.
Duckworth is replacing Robin Nobling, who is retiring after leading the organization for more than a decade.
Duckworth herself is suicide attempt survivor who is an advocate for mental health and suicide prevention, according to the release. She founded the nonprofit A Friend of Mine where she led suicide prevention training for adults and adolescents. She was previously the executive director for Immunize Nevada during the Covid-19 pandemic. She also serves as a disaster preparedness and crisis response facilitator for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“So many Nashvillians need the help and support that NAMI Davidson Co. can uniquely offer, and that’s why I’m honored to join as executive director,” said Duckworth in the release. “I want people in Middle Tennessee who are struggling with mental illness to know that you are not alone. … Together, we will continue to create a more compassionate and resilient community for everyone who calls Nashville home.”
