Office Of The Director

Richard Leclerc, MSW

Director, RI Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals

Governor Daniel McKee appointed Richard Leclerc as Director of BHDDH in March of 2024. The Senate Health and Human Services Committee quickly gave their unanimous Advice and Consent and one week later, Director Leclerc was unanimously confirmed by the full Senate.

Leclerc has more than four decades of experience in the healthcare field. He most recently served as a consultant for BHDDH where he supported the development of statewide Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) in Rhode Island, providing strategic guidance on federal compliance, budgeting, and staffing.

He previously served as project director at Newport Mental Health where he was responsible for implementing millions of dollars in federal grants, including the implementation of evidence-based practices, care coordination agreements, and outcome measurements. Leclerc was President and CEO of Gateway Healthcare, the largest nonprofit behavioral healthcare provider in Rhode Island. He was also an adjunct professor at Rhode Island College and a Policy Associate at the Substance Use and Mental Health Leadership Council.

Leclerc has previously served as Chair of the Governor’s Council on Behavioral Health, the Rhode Island Council of Community Mental Health Organizations, and the Rhode Island Quality Institute. He was a member of several boards and task forces including the United Healthcare/Optum Advisory Task Force, the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission Task Force (MACPAC), and the National Council for Behavioral Health. Leclerc is also a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Leclerc received a master's degree in social work from Boston College.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 

Director Richard Leclerc
Phone: (401) 462-2339
Fax:     (401) 462-3204
Email:   Cristina.Cifredo@bhddh.ri.gov
 

BHDDH Deputy Director

Louis A. Cerbo, Ed.D.
Phone: (401) 462-6429
Fax:     (401) 462-3204
Email:  Louis.Cerbo@bhddh.ri.gov
 

BHDDH Chief of Staff

Elizabeth Silvestre
Phone: (401) 459-8178
Fax:      (401) 462-3204
Email:  e.Silvestre@bhddh.ri.gov
 

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT:

Cristina Cifredo
Phone: (401) 462-2339
Fax:     (401) 462-3204
Email:  Cristina.Cifredo@bhddh.ri.gov

MEDIA CONTACT:

Randal Edgar
Phone: (401) 462-3405
Fax:     (401) 462-3204
Email:  Randal.Edgar@bhddh.ri.gov

ADMINISTRATOR - EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & RESPONSE:

Joseph "Jay" Carrasquillo, M.Sc.
Phone: (401) 462-4635
Cell:     (401) 256-7252
Email:  joseph.carrasquillo@bhddh.ri.gov