Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center Transitions Leadership, Welcomes Executive Director Joseph Mahoney

Butler, Pa (June 7, 2021) -- The Ellen O'Brien Gaiser Center, a comprehensive regional resource for alcohol and substance use treatment, is pleased to welcome Joseph Mahoney, LSW, as its new executive director.

A licensed social worker with more than 15 years of experience in behavioral health services, Mahoney joins the Gaiser Center from Intermediate Unit 1, an educational service agency serving school districts and communities of Washington, Greene and Fayette counties.

Working his way from a school-based social work position up to director of Mental/Behavioral Health and Social Work Services for Intermediate Unit 1, Mahoney had direct oversite over eight outpatient clinics in Greene County, a Partial Hospitalization Program, 12 school-based mental health programs, and more than 60 school-based, master-level social workers.

"Over half a century, the Gaiser Center has established itself as a leader in evidence-based drug and alcohol treatment," Mahoney said. "I’m thrilled to join the Gaiser family and look forward to upholding the center’s stellar reputation while incorporating innovations in care to meet the changing needs of our community and the families we serve."

Mahoney earned degrees in psychology and English from Duquesne University and a master's in social work with mental health certification from the University of Pittsburgh. A rabid fan of Pittsburgh’s baseball, football and hockey teams, he lives in Moon Township with his wife and two young sons.

For several weeks, Mahoney has worked together with outgoing Gaiser Center Executive Director Linda Franiewski to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. Franiewski retires this month after nearly 16 years at the helm of Gaiser, during which she spearheaded the organization's rebranding and marked the Center’s 50th anniversary. The Gaiser Center community is thankful to Linda Franiewski for her leadership which extended the vision of long-time director Ellen O’Brien Gaiser while positioning the Center for future growth and success. 

About the Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center

From its inception in 1971 as a grassroots response to a community need, the Gaiser Center has consistently been known as one of the region’s most reputable treatment programs for alcohol and substance use disorders. The center has grown from a men’s drop-in program to a comprehensive, regional resource focused on long-term treatment options for both men and women. Named to honor the legacy of long-time Executive Director Ellen O’Brien Gaiser, the Gaiser Center continues to build upon a strong foundation, incorporating evidence-based, gender-specific treatment modalities with education and support for all the families we serve. Our experienced and compassionate staff and modern facilities leave us uniquely poised to provide the highest quality of care for the families we assist in the years to come.   For more information, visit www.gaisercenter.com.

###
Contact:
Susan Paff
Ideality Communications
Cell: 724.513.0316
Office: 724.359.5225 x101
Susan@idealitycommunications.com