Chris Wyre announces retirement / VBH Board names Phyllis Persinger President
August 7, 2020 – Chris Wyre announces retirement / VBH Board names Phyllis Persinger President
Dr. James Boerner, Chair of the Volunteer Behavioral Health (VBH) Board of Directors, announced at the annual meeting on August 7, 2020 that CEO, Chris Wyre, will be retiring in August of 2021.
After more than 43 years working with VBH, Chris’ legacy of service to clients, staff, and the behavioral health field in Tennessee has been exemplary.
“I’m really proud of what we have been able to create with Volunteer in those 43 years,” says Chris. “While I am really excited about my future endeavors, I am also still very invested in the mission and future of Volunteer.”
Upon Chris’ retirement announcement, the Board unanimously appointed Phyllis Persinger who has worked for VBH for 33 years to the President’s role.
The Board acknowledged Phyllis’ leadership as COO during the transition into the Tennessee Health Link program and expressed gratitude for leading the organization during recent challenges, especially through the difficult period of transformation and adjustment with COVID-19. VBH has no doubt she will be extremely successful in her future with the organization.
“I’m so humbled, honored, and grateful to be presented with such an opportunity,” said Phyllis. “My passion for our staff and our clients only continues to grow. The entire team truly receives the credit for Volunteer’s success, and I am so grateful every day to work both with them and for them.”
Chris and Phyllis will continue to work together as she transitions into the CEO role effective August 2021.
About VBH:
VBH is a non-profit community behavioral health organization serving 32 counties in Middle and East Tennessee. VBH’s service sites have rich histories of support and quality care within their communities, each providing over 35 years of community-based services for families and individuals. In addition to their outpatient services, Volunteer offers ancillary services including residential treatment, mobile crisis response, crisis stabilization units, specialty children’s programs, and web-based services at various locations within the VBH organization.
The provision of care across the lifespan of individuals is reflected in the agency’s mission: to serve individuals, families, and communities through prevention, treatment, and recovery services– ensuring that help today leads to a better tomorrow. To inquire about services, please call 877-567-6051. VBH can also be followed at vbhcs.org, and online at www.facebook.com/volunteerbehavioralhealth.
