Administrative Developments at Retreat Healthcare

January 13, 2004

Brattleboro, VT— Robert Soucy has been promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer for Retreat Healthcare.

The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for the smooth and efficient operation of the hospital’s Patient Care Services, Facilities, Housekeeping, Human Resources, Information Services, Mulberry Bush Early Learning Center, Nutritional Services and Security. Through the Patient Care Services structure, the COO provides management oversight for the development of high quality, cost effective and integrated clinical programs within the hospital.

Mr. Soucy has served as the Retreat’s Vice President of Administration and Chief Information Officer since 2000. Prior to his position at Retreat Healthcare, Mr. Soucy worked for Vermont National Bank for thirty years, ultimately as Executive Vice President and Senior Operating Officer.

Maria Basescu was appointed Vice President of Communications and External Affairs for Retreat Healthcare.

The Vice President of Communications and External Affairs provides strategic communications direction, directs outreach and education programs, and serves as liaison to media, government and community organizations.

Ms. Basescu served as a communications consultant to the Retreat for the past year. Previously she was Director of External Affairs for Marlboro College’s Technology and Graduate Center from 1998-2002, and Director of Marketing for the College since 1992.

Prior to that, Ms. Basescu professional positions included serving as Director of Public Relations Emerson College’s Division of Performing Arts, and Associate Director of Media and Public Relations for the Boston Mayor’s Office of Business and Cultural Development.

Retreat Healthcare, founded in 1834, aka the Brattleboro Retreat, is a not-for-profit, regional specialty psychiatric hospital and addictions treatment center, providing a full range of diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitation services for individuals of all ages and their families. Nationally recognized for its premiere treatment in behavioral healthcare, Retreat Healthcare offers a high quality, individualized, comprehensive continuum of care including inpatient, partial hospitalization, residential, and outpatient treatment, as well as the most extensive continuing education program for mental health professionals in Northern New England.

For more information contact: Cathy Potter at 258-3759 or cpotter@retreathealthcare.org.