Montgomery – Department of Mental Health & Mental Retardation Commissioner Kathy Sawyer today announced the appointment of Beatrice McLean as Facility Director for Searcy Hospital in Mt. Vernon. McLean had been serving as Facility Director at the Thomasville Mental Health Rehabilitation Center in Thomasville prior to her appointment.

“Beatrice McLean is the consummate professional,” Sawyer said. “She has a very interactive and effective leadership style, which will serve Searcy Hospital well. Her experience with community programs will provide important insight as the DMH/MR continues to move towards greater inclusion in the community for our consumers. The DMH/MR is truly fortunate to count Ms. McLean among our many valued employees.”

McLean holds a Master’s degree in Psychosocial Rehabilitation Counseling from Boston University. Prior to coming to Alabama, she served as an Intensive Case Manager as well as the Director of Rehabilitation Programs at Rockland Psychiatric Center in New York. In Alabama, McLean was the Director of Programs at the DMH/MR’s Thomasville facility for eight years and was named Director in February 2000.