Emily Bailey Appointed Commissioner of Massachusetts Department of Mental Health
BOSTON — Massachusetts Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. Kiame Mahaniah 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 healthcare for individuals with mental health needs, disabilities, and social risk factors.
Beth Lucas, who has served as acting commissioner since October, is returning to her prior role as 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,” Mahaniah said. ”Emily will further DMH’s mission to support the continuum of mental healthcare 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.”
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 and 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, she 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. She holds a master of social work degree.
“It is a profound honor to join the Department of Mental Health at a moment when the need for accessible, equitable mental healthcare has never been clearer,” Bailey said.” 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.”