On Monday, October 25, 2004, Alabama Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation Commissioner Kathy Sawyer announced the appointment of David L. Bennett as the new Director of Bryce Hospital in Tuscaloosa. The appointment came after a nationwide search for a replacement for Director David Gay who retired earlier this year. Bennett, a longstanding mental health employee, served as acting director of the facility since Gay’s retirement. Up to that time, he held the position of personnel manager for the hospital for seven years.

Mr. Bennett received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Stillman College in 1974 and Master of Science in Counseling from the University of West Alabama in 1986. He served at virtually every level of staff positions in his 20-year tenure at Bryce. He was “Outstanding Man of the Year” in 1988 and has worked with numerous civic organizations during his career. Mr. Bennett served on various area boards, including the American Red Cross – West Alabama, Tuscaloosa Peer Support Group, and the West Alabama Aids Outreach. He is also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and is an active member of his church.

Commissioner Sawyer stated, with respect to Mr. Bennett’s appointment, “David has demonstrated strong leadership skills over the years in conjunction with what I call a ‘servant spirit.’ He has served in a multiplicity of positions at Bryce and is thoroughly familiar with the needs of employees, programs, and most importantly, the patient population of the hospital. We conducted a nationwide search and quite frankly could not find anyone who could match or exceed David’s experience and ability.”