Leadership

Eric has served as the CEO since 2002. Throughout this time, he has successfully led strategic initiatives including accreditation efforts and a merger to expand the Council’s behavioral health services. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Administration. With 42 years of experience in healthcare, mental health, substance use, and criminal justice, he has made significant contributions to these fields. During his tenure as Chief of Mental Health/Substance Abuse for Tarrant County MHMR from 1987 to 2002, Eric successfully led a $17 million division of services with 350 employees, annually catering to 15,000 clients. Notably, he played a key role in developing and directing programs for special needs populations, including HIV-positive individuals, the elderly, homeless, and those with co-occurring diagnoses. Eric retired from the Texas Air National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel in December 2003, where he served in various capacities, including Director of Personnel, Hospital Administrative Officer, and State-wide Investigator Officer for the Adjutant General. As CEO of the Council, Eric has been dedicated to expanding the agency's services into integrated healthcare and behavioral health. Under his leadership, the Council established a psychotherapy program for veterans and their families in 2013 and obtained Joint Commission accreditation as a behavioral outpatient provider in 2014. In 2018, he successfully oversaw the merger with the Dallas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Additionally, Eric actively contributes to the field as a member of the Association for Substance Abuse Professionals and serves on its board.