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Maribeth Leonard, LBSW, MBA (she/her/hers)

Chief Executive Officer
LifeWays
Jackson, Michigan

Maribeth Leonard is the Chief Executive Officer of LifeWays, providing an array of behavioral health services in Jackson and Hillsdale counties to individuals seeking services. She has served in various positions at LifeWays for nearly 31 years, and as CEO since 2012.
Maribeth holds a Bachelor’s degree in social work from Kansas State University, and an MBA from Spring Arbor University. Maribeth represents LifeWays with service on several regional and state-level committees.

Locally, Maribeth is a Board member on the Jackson Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. She is a graduate of Leadership Jackson, a Jackson Health Improvement Organization Board member, former Jackson Nonprofit Network Board member, Michigan Association of Mental Health Board Executive Board member, and participates in local events including Alzheimer’s Walk, disAbility Connections fundraising and community awareness events, March of Dimes Walk, Exchange Club, Special Olympics Fund Raising events, Drug Summit on Heroin & Prescription Drug Abuse, the Jackson Suicide Coalition, Bridges to Justice initiative, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and United Way Fundraising events.

Maribeth is passionate about recognizing signs of abuse, supporting individuals in crisis, and raising awareness of suicide. In addition, she strives to raise awareness of how childhood trauma impacts students in the classroom and its connection to mental health. She frequently speaks to audiences about understanding that recovery is not a one-size plan, but rather a process very unique to each individual.

Maribeth is a visionary leader who expanded access to behavioral health and Substance Use Disorder services with the passing of a two-county Mental Health Millage. Most recently, LifeWays has achieved certification as a Michigan Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Demonstration Site.

The mother of two in college and five step-sons and daughters, Maribeth lives in Jerome, MI.

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