David Thomas, a healthcare professional with over 30 years of experience, began his role as Site CEO at the IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery on October 14, based in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
This facility provides exclusive treatment for IAFF members, including fire fighters, dispatchers, and other first responders, addressing issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, grief, and addiction.
Thomas expressed his goals for the Center, saying: “The center should deliver the highest quality of care using proven techniques while making room for cutting edge, emerging techniques.”
The IAFF Center, dedicated to supporting the mental health of first responders, offers a range of therapeutic options tailored to the complex and varied needs of its patients.
The position became available as the previous director, Marc Rattigan, moved to lead the forthcoming IAFF Center location in Hemet, California.
The IAFF and Advanced Recovery Systems (ARS), which partners with the IAFF on specialized programs for first responders, collaborated closely to identify the most qualified candidate for the CEO role.
Nanci Stockwell, ARS Senior Vice President of Operations, emphasized Thomas’s qualifications, highlighting his expertise in healthcare administration and behavioral health: “We felt David was the perfect fit because of his distinguished background in healthcare administration, behavioral health, and clinical leadership.”
Thomas’s extensive background includes serving as a Regional Director for Behavioral Health Operations at Kaiser Permanente, where he managed clinical operations for a large member base across the Mid-Atlantic region.
His career began with his service as a U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman, where he gained practical experience that helped shape his approach to healthcare and behavioral health.
Having served in the U.S. Navy for nearly three decades, Thomas brings a unique understanding of the psychological challenges faced by first responders.
This experience is expected to translate well within the IAFF’s mental health framework, as his former colleague Tracey Giles noted: “He has seen firsthand the impact trauma can have on the individual… the end goal is to get the patient back to doing what they love.”
Thomas acknowledged these parallels, pointing out that, much like military personnel, first responders often experience cumulative stress from multiple events over time rather than a single traumatic incident.
Throughout his career, Thomas has emphasized individualized care approaches, recognizing the varied impacts trauma can have on different individuals.
His goal at the IAFF Center is to help first responders return to their roles, or when necessary, support their transition to new paths.
The IAFF and ARS see Thomas’s appointment as an opportunity to expand the Center’s services.
Stockwell stated the goals for his tenure, including improvements in clinical programming, increased operational efficiency, and enhanced integration of mental health services.
Data-driven quality improvements and outreach expansions are also on the agenda, aiming to strengthen support for first responders across Maryland and beyond.
The Center, located in Maryland, allows patients an average stay of 38 days, longer than typical inpatient facilities, which provides time for patients to engage with treatments and determine their next steps.
With plans for a Western facility in California, the IAFF hopes to broaden its support network, estimating a 2025 opening.
David Thomas has joined the IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, as the new Site CEO.
With over 30 years of experience in behavioral health and a background in both military and healthcare administration, Thomas was selected through a collaborative effort between the IAFF and Advanced Recovery Systems.
His plans include enhancing clinical programs, operational efficiency, and mental health services tailored to the needs of IAFF members.
According to ARS Senior Vice President Nanci Stockwell, Thomas brings a unique combination of experience, especially in treating first responders.
The IAFF aims to open a similar Center in California by 2025, expanding its commitment to providing comprehensive behavioral health support to first responders across the United States.
