As a local drug and alcohol treatment center celebrates 50 years, a new top administrator is coming on board to lead the way.
The Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center welcomes new Executive Director Joseph Mahoney to take over for Linda Franiewski who is retiring after nearly 16 years of leadership.
Mahoney is a licensed social worker who comes to the Gaiser Center from Intermediate Unit 1 where he was the Director of Mental/Behavioral Health and Social Work Services for school districts and communities in 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.
About the Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center
The Gaiser Center is a nonprofit that is licensed by the state health department. They offer both inpatient and outpatient services and have been serving the community since 1971.
From its inception in 1971 as a grass roots 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 serve in the years to come. For more information, visit www.gaisercenter.com.
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