The East Carolina Behavioral Health (ECBH) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Leza Wainwright as executive director effective Feb. 1. Wainwright replaces Roy Wilson, who retired Jan. 31 after 25 years of service.

Before coming to ECBH in August 2010, as chief operating officer, Wainwright served more than 32 years in professional leadership positions with the state of North Carolina, including most recently director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services.

Her responsibilities as ECBH executive director include managing all operations of the local-government agency overseeing the delivery of mental health, intellectual and developmental disability and substance-use services for 19 counties in eastern North Carolina.

“In the last year and a half,” stated ECBH board Chairman Johnnie Farmer, “Leza has been an exemplary leader with expert knowledge in state and federal rules, as well as demonstrating an effective analytical approach to risk management and operations. She has led our preparation for undertaking the responsibility for the N.C. Medicaid waiver in our area beginning April 1, 2012.”

East Carolina Behavioral Health serves Beaufort, Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Craven, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Hyde, Jones, Martin, Northampton, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Pitt, Tyrrell and Washington counties.