Crittenton Welcomes Richard Royse as New CEO

WHEELING – Richard Royse has been named president and CEO of Crittenton Services Inc. He succeeds longtime President & CEO, Kathy Szafran, who transitioned into a new position with Aetna Better Health of West Virginia.

Prior to coming to Wheeling, Royse served as executive director of Community Bridges in New Hampshire. He brings three decades of leadership experience in organizations serving people affected by disabilities.

“Richard brings a wealth of knowledge and innovative ideas that will enhance our organization’s mission greatly,” said Amy Smith, Crittenton’s vice president of Human Resources. “His expertise in the non-profit sector, paired with his extensive work with vulnerable communities makes him a clear choice to lead Crittenton Services into the next chapter of our organization.”

Royse holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the University of Kansas. At Community Bridges, he focused on advancing the integration, growth and interdependence of people with disabilities in their home communities.

He and his wife, Cheryl, have been married for 29 years, and together they share four children and seven grandchildren. Royse is dedicated to a “family first” philosophy both personally and professionally. This translates into his leadership and his passion to empower those affected by adversity.

“Crittenton Services, Inc. has provided meaningful and impactful resources to the citizens of Wheeling and the state of West Virginia for over 125 years, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead this important work,” Royse said. “As we look ahead, I’m excited to work with our talented staff, board of directors, and community volunteers to ensure Crittenton Services continues to provide exceptional, high-quality services to the people of West Virginia.

Szafran’s new role offers a broader opportunity to serve the needs of West Virginia’s children and families, and is an extension of her many years of advocacy for quality behavioral healthcare in the state.

Crittenton’s Board of Directors include Steve Mazure, Holly Fillipovich, Lea Ridenhour, Joelle Moray, Andy Barger, Banford Exley, Jody Geese, Ned George, Rachel Goodman, Jeffery Kaiser, Raquel Welch-McLeod, Jan Pattishall-Krupinski and Tammy J. Poppe.

Crittenton Services, Inc. is a non-profit organization providing a continuum of behavioral health services for children and families with residential care for girls 12-21 and outpatient, community-based care throughout West Virginia.