Shawn Coughlin Retires as NABH President and CEO

Previous NABH President and CEO Mark Covall Named Interim Leader

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- National Association for Behavioral Healthcare (NABH) President and CEO Shawn Coughlin announced his retirement on Tuesday, Sept. 30 after nearly six years in the position.

Coughlin served previously as the association's executive vice president of government relations and policy from 2017 until he began his role as president and CEO in January 2020. In all, he has spent 14 years working directly for or with NABH as a leader or consultant.

"It has been an honor to lead the preeminent behavioral healthcare association in the country," Coughlin said. "Having started my leadership role with the association during the opioid crisis and guiding it through the Covid-19 pandemic, it is time for me to turn my attentions to other opportunities."

The NABH Executive Committee named Mark Covall as the association's interim president and CEO and is engaging an executive search firm to find Coughlin's successor. Covall retired from his position in December 2019 after more than 35 years with the association and 24 years as its president and CEO.

The leadership transition has begun, with Covall starting in his interim post on Oct. 1.

"On behalf of the NABH Board of Trustees, we thank Shawn for his years of service to our association," said NABH Board Chair Jim Shaheen. "His passion for lobbying has helped guide our members through some critical times and several legislative and regulatory changes," he continued. "We all wish Shawn continued success."

SOURCE National Association for Behavioral Healthcare