Dr. Edward Shapiro Named Medical Director, CEO of Austen Riggs Center
STOCKBRIDGE — The board of trustees of the Austen Riggs Center appointed Dr. Edward Shapiro as medical director and CEO, effective Jan. 1. Shapiro, who previously led the center from 1991 to 2011, succeeds Dr. Eric Plakun, who held the post from 2018 through 2024. Shapiro will serve as medical director and CEO while the board of trustees conducts a search for a new medical director and CEO.
“We selected Ed for this role based on his unique combination of expertise as a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst and his deep knowledge of Riggs, its staff, and the distinct treatment that the center provides,” said Lisa Raskin, board chair. “Ed also has considerable experience advising CEOs, corporate directors, and other senior leaders.”
Shapiro has dedicated his career to understanding and treating complex psychiatric conditions. A graduate of Yale College, Stanford University, and Harvard Medical School, he completed his psychiatry residency at the Massachusetts Mental Health Center and psychoanalytic training at the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute.
Prior to coming to Riggs, Shapiro was a clinical associate in the Adult Psychiatry branch of the National Institute of Mental Health and directed adolescent and family treatment and psychosocial training at McLean Hospital in Boston. He is a recognized leader in the field of psychoanalytic psychotherapy and has been instrumental in bridging clinical practice with organizational and systemic thinking.
Under his leadership at Riggs, he expanded the range of programs to meet the resource limitations and clinical needs of patients and families; founded the Erikson Institute for Education, Research, and Advocacy; helped to develop the International Dialogue Initiative; and expanded research efforts, solidifying the center’s commitment to the integration of psychodynamic psychotherapy with psychosocial and medical care.
“As the pandemic recedes, we are seeing increasing numbers of people struggling with social isolation, psychological disturbance, and despair,” Shapiro said. “Riggs’ mission to help patients better understand themselves, deepen their relationships with others, and take up authority for their lives is a unique contribution to the world of psychiatric treatment. Our patients continually educate us about the internal and external pressures they are up against. My goal is to help us to deepen that mutual learning, further develop our treatment capacity, and advance Riggs’ mission.”