Stairways Behavioral Health and Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems Announce Affiliation

Erie, PA, August 28, 2014 --(PR.com)-- The chief executive officers of Stairways Behavioral Health of Erie, Pa., and Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems of Bradford, Pa., today presented before the Honorable Elizabeth K. Kelly a petition for approval of affiliation, as recommended by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Following her review of the plan of affiliation and requested additional testimony regarding the benefits this agreement will provide related to improving the health and development, social and emotional well-being of children, families and adults in Erie County, Judge Kelly announced her support and approval of the affiliation in today’s courtroom proceedings.

Through affiliation, Beacon Light and Stairways board members and administrators will share an active role in governing and managing the affiliated system, integrating administration and support services such as finance, information technology and human resources.

Both Stairways and Beacon Light will continue to maintain local governance and management of their respective clinical programs and services.

The two organizations have already enjoyed a long term working partnership in Warren County, providing both private and inpatient psychiatry and substance abuse services. This affiliation expands upon that successful partnership, and makes the affiliated organization one of the largest and most comprehensive behavioral health services provider in the Northwestern Pennsylvania region.

Under the new affiliation, Beacon Light’s current President and CEO, Richard Seager, will become the President and CEO of the affiliated system. William McCarthy, President and CEO of Stairways, will continue his commitment through an ongoing role assisting in the successful completion of the affiliation agreement and working strategically with other regional organizations who have expressed an interest in joining the affiliated system.

Earlier this year, McCarthy announced his year-end intent to retire after 42 years with Stairways. The Stairways Board of Directors recently retained the executive search and transition management services of Nonprofit Talent, LLC out of Pittsburgh, to fill McCarthy’s position.

For more information about Stairways Behavioral Health, please see www.Stairwaysbh.org; for more information about Beacon Light Behavioral Health System, see www.beacon-light.org.