LifeWays Board of Directors Selects New CEO, Cassandra Watson
Jackson, MI
The LifeWays Board of Directors is pleased to announce its unanimous selection of Cassandra Watson as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LifeWays. Her appointment is contingent on successful completion of reference and background checks as well as an agreement to contractual terms.
Watson has been employed by LifeWays since 2016, and has served as its Executive Director, Clinical Services since 2022. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and Michigan State University and holds certifications and licenses as an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).
“It is an honor to be selected as LifeWays’ next CEO following the impressive and inspiring tenure of Maribeth Leonard,” Watson said. “It is my intent to continue the longstanding practice of delivering accessible, high-quality, and innovative behavioral health services in Hillsdale and Jackson counties. I look forward to working alongside the board, staff, providers, and community partners to inspire hope and promote life-enhancing recovery for our consumers.”
LifeWays’ board has spent much of this year in this CEO search. Its long-time CEO, Maribeth Leonard, plans to retire in 2026. The board’s selection of Watson is the successful completion of a succession planning process of multiple years duration.
Leonard, in a heartfelt statement explained, “It is hard to believe that my tenure is coming to an end and that it is time to pass the torch to the next leader of LifeWays. I do so, however, with humility. I will forever be grateful for the 33 years I have had at LifeWays, with the last 13 as CEO. The faith that former leaders had in me and their investment in my development is exactly the culture this organization has always embraced. How fortunate I have been to have the ability to live my life’s purpose and passion, and to do so alongside amazing staff and board members over my time.
“Several years ago, I looked internally to the organization to identify those leaders with the potential for CEO, as I began planning for retirement. I identified both Cassandra Watson and David Lowe. They are exceptional leaders who have worked and put in the time to develop and grow professionally to take on this position. In my opinion, the board had two exceptional candidates. I am fully confident in the abilities of this next leader, Cassandra Watson, to continue to lead this organization with commitment, passion, and vision for our future and for our communities.”
LifeWays’ board, its hard-working staff, and now its CEO-nominee look forward to continuing to improve mental health in Jackson and Hillsdale counties hand-in-hand with our dedicated industry partners.