Mary Pawlikowski, MA, MEd, interim vice president and chief operating officer for Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital (VPH), has been named as the hospital’s new president after having held the position of president on an interim basis since November 2020.
In this role Pawlikowski reports to C. Wright Pinson, MBA, MD, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Health System Officer for Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
“Over the previous months while serving as VPH’s interim president, Mary has proven to be a very capable leader. Her history of service to VPH and Vanderbilt Behavioral Health provides valuable insights into the increasing need for mental health services as we seek to grow and enhance these offerings for the residents of Nashville and beyond,” said Pinson. “I look forward to her contributions as she assumes this role on a permanent basis.”
Pawlikowski joined VUMC in 2015 as Vice President of Operations for Vanderbilt Behavioral Health and was promoted to the role of VPH’s Chief Operating Officer in 2017.
Prior to joining VUMC, Pawlikowski served as COO for Concord Behavioral Health and was vice president and COO for the Carrier Clinic in Belle Meade, New Jersey, where she helped plan and execute a major facilities expansion effort and was focused on process improvement and fiscal management.
Pawlikowski earned a Master of Science in Education degree and completed her doctoral coursework from Pace University, a master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science degree from Fordham University.
“It is a true privilege to be chosen as the next president of Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital to lead, along with Stephan Heckers, MD, the evolution of behavioral health services throughout our system,” Pawlikowski said. “I am excited to continue to strengthen the access and quality of care to our patients, not only on this campus but throughout our network. The importance of mental well-being affects all, and VBH is here to assist people through their journeys.”
Pawlikowski has served as the president of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Davidson County since 2016 and serves on the Youth Services Committee of the National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems.