Dan Kubas-Meyer, President and CEO
As I prepare to retire from my role as president and CEO of Thrive Behavioral Health it’s hard not to reflect on my 40-year career. What began as a desire to make a difference during my time in the Peace Corps has grown into a passion for improving access to behavioral health care and housing for the most vulnerable. As I step down, I am reminded of the many changes both in our field and in myself throughout these decades of service.
When I first entered the field, behavioral health was misunderstood, marginalized and underfunded. Mental health conversations were heavily stigmatized, and access to care and community support was difficult for those who needed it most. I quickly learned that being an advocate was more than just a title − it meant fighting for the voiceless, driving policy changes, and creating responsive, compassionate systems.
Although we’ve made substantial progress, the battle is far from over. Affordable housing, employment, and full community integration remain pressing needs.
Leading Thrive through its transition to a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. The model revolutionizes how we deliver care, breaking down silos between services and addressing the whole person, not just their symptoms. The approach improves outcomes for clients and transforms how our staff connects with their work. I’ve been proud of Thrive’s evolution − from integrating virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic to expanding services across the state so that more Rhode Islanders can access the care they need.
Leadership often involves navigating uncertainty, and the pandemic was perhaps the greatest test of resilience I’ve ever encountered. We had to adapt quickly, embracing new technologies and finding ways to keep our clients and staff connected from a distance. Our clients’ resilience, paired with the dedication of the Thrive team, solidified what I had always known — we are an organization built on compassion, flexibility and a deep commitment to meeting people where they are. These traits will continue to propel Thrive forward long after my departure.
Over these 40 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless individuals who share my belief that behavioral health care is a right, not a privilege. From the dedicated staff at Thrive, to our community partners, state leaders, and clients, each interaction has reinforced the importance of respect, empathy, persistence and innovation.
Looking to the future of behavioral health in Rhode Island, I am filled with hope. Organizations like Thrive are leading a movement to provide person-centered, evidence-based care to those who need it most. The narrative around mental health has shifted, and we now talk openly about trauma, addiction and recovery in ways that were unimaginable four decades ago. My greatest hope is that this momentum continues, ensuring mental well-being remains a priority in theoverall health of our communities.
To the incredible staff at Thrive, it has been an honor to walk this journey with you. Your dedication to our clients is the reason for our success. To those who supported me along the way, thank you.
As I pass the torch to the next CEO of Thrive, Kleckner Charles, I leave knowing that the next generation of behavioral health care leaders is bright. There is still work to be done, but with organizations like Thrive at the helm, I am certain Rhode Island is moving in the right direction.