PEABODY — Bridgewell, a Peabody-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and helping individuals with intellectual, developmental and psychiatric disabilities and other life challenges, announced Monday that its board of directors has appointed Kelly J. Martin as chief executive officer.
“After a thorough and comprehensive process, the board is thrilled to announce that Kelly will continue in the role as CEO and president of Bridgewell,” said Robin Sutherland, chair of the board of directors. Martin had been serving as Bridgewell’s interim CEO and president.
She has more than 30 years of experience at Bridgewell in direct care, management and leadership roles including chief operations officer and interim CEO. She is credited with reshaping Bridgewell programming to expand services in both autism support and substance use disorder treatments in response to the growing need.
“She has demonstrated over the last several months, along with her longstanding tenure, the qualities, skills and competencies needed to be successful as Bridgewell’s CEO,” Sutherland said.
Bridgewell in a statement said Martin was instrumental in achieving the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) across all programs and services, the highest level of accreditation that can be given to an organization. Martin provides leadership to a talented team of senior managers who offer quality support to those with life challenges.
“I joined Bridgewell over 30 years ago because I wanted to be a part of an organization that empowers people with life challenges to live dignified, self-directed, satisfying, safe and productive lives,” said Martin. “I am honored to lead Bridgewell, as it prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary next year, into its next phase while maintaining the highest quality of care and services.”
Martin earned a master of business administration degree from Salem State College and a bachelor of arts degree in social work from Suffolk University. She is a surveyor for the Commission, a member of the ADDP Board of Directors and a former board member for Children’s Friend and Family Services, Inc.
Bridgewell is a Peabody-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and helping individuals with intellectual, developmental and psychiatric disabilities and other life challenges to direct their own lives, achieve personal and professional success, and remain active participants in society.
Bridgewell employs nearly 1,400 employees and serves more than 6,250 individuals and their families in Massachusetts, providing residential and day services, affordable housing and homeless services, clinical services, substance use disorder treatment, recreational services, as well as employment training and educational services.
