Diana L. Ramsay Named President and Chief Executive Officer of Woods Services

LANGHORNE, Pa., May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Peter S. Bodenheimer, chairman of the Woods Services Board of Trustees, announced today that Diana L. Ramsay has been named as the new president and chief executive officer of Woods Services, a private, non-profit provider of services to adults and children with complex behavioral and intellectual disabilities.  Ramsay will succeed Dr. Robert Griffith who is retiring after 24 years as Woods' president and CEO.

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Ramsay joins Woods Services having most recently led operations integration and clinical redesign for Johns Hopkins Health System.  Prior to that, she established herself in the mental health services field with more than 20 years of experience with the Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Health System, one of the nation's top 10 psychiatric health systems, and with Way Station, Inc., a nationally recognized community rehabilitation program and subsidiary of the Sheppard Pratt Foundation.  

"Diana brings expertise in operations, strategic planning, business development, fundraising, political advocacy, public policy, quality improvement and staff development.  That combination is rare and will be an asset to all of us here – from clients and families to staff, donors and board members," Mr. Bodenheimer said.  "Diana is very proud of her "clinical roots" in Occupational Therapy.  Her experiences helped hone her management skills in regard to providing programs and services for people with disabilities."

"Bob Griffith has been such a tremendous force for Woods," said Ms. Ramsay.  "Not only has he broadened the capacity and reach of Woods, but under his leadership, Woods has established itself as the gold standard of care known for innovative programs and its caring, committed and highly skilled staff and clinicians.  It is a great honor to have been chosen to lead Woods, and I look forward to bringing my knowledge, experience and passion to this superb organization as we cross the threshold into Woods' second century.  Together we will drive Woods to a pinnacle of excellence as we pursue national recognition in advocacy, education, standards of care, and humanity for all we serve."

"While Bob's tenure here is not an easy act to follow, we are confident that we have found a superior and highly experienced individual in Diana Ramsay to lead Woods into its next century of service," added Mr. Jack Edmonds, who chaired the board's leadership search committee.

When she assumes her office on July 5, 2011, Ramsay will be just the sixth president in Woods Services nearly 100-year history.  In fact, Dr. Griffith was the organization's longest-serving leader other than founder, Mollie Woods.

Founded in 1913, Woods Services provides educational, residential, and vocational services to 1,400 children and adults diagnosed with intellectual disabilities, autism, neurological disorders, emotional and behavioral challenges and brain injury.  Woods is located in Langhorne, Pa with additional locations throughout Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware Counties.  For more information about Woods, please visit the Woods Services website at www.woods.org and www.woods2ndcentury.org.  More information about Ms. Ramsay is available at www.woods.org/president2011.

SOURCE Woods Services