Counties are pleased to welcome Michelle Cabrera as the new
Executive Director of the County Behavioral Health Directors
Association (CBHDA). The CBHDA Executive Director Search
Committee, which was comprised of behavioral health directors and
included CSAC Executive Director Graham Knaus, announced the
news this week after 10 months of searching.
Ms. Cabrera has a wealth of experience on state budget and policy
as a legislative consultant and lobbyist, most recently for
California Service Employees International Union, where she
handled health and behavioral health policy as Healthcare
Director. She served as a Senior Consultant for the Assembly
Human Services Committee, where she staffed AB 12, which extended
foster care from age 18 to 21, and served as a Program Officer
for California HealthCare Foundation prior to joining SEIU.
“Michelle is a strong advocate and leader with a wealth of
policy experience. She is a great fit for our behavioral health
system and we’re pleased to welcome her to the county family,”
said Knaus.
Ms. Cabrera is also excited to join CBHDA during these times of
change and opportunity. “Behavioral Health is an issue that is
near and dear to my heart and I am excited to bring my passion to
work with counties and stakeholders in advancing mental health
and substance use disorder care in our communities,” she said.
Ms. Cabrera also serves on the California Pan-Ethnic Health
Network Board of Directors, the National Quality Forum
Disparities Standing Committee, and as a Board member for Health
Access California. She will start with CBHDA in early May.
CSAC is pleased to welcome Ms. Cabrera to the county family and
looks forward to working closely with CBHDA to navigate the
changing landscape of behavioral health in California.
