Nancy Cottingham, LCSW of San Diego, California was named as the new Central Virginia Community Services executive director by the Board of Directors at its December 13, 2006 meeting. She assumes the position January 16, 2007.

She currently directs the Clinical Operations Department of U. S. Behavioral Health Plan in San Diego. Her experience includes over 30 years in profit and non-profit sectors as a director, manager and therapist in mental health and social services organizations.
Ms. Cottingham holds a Master of Science in Social Work degree from the University of Texas at Austin and is a licensed clinical social worker. She has held clinical licenses/certifications in California, Michigan and Texas, including in the areas of marriage and family therapy and substance abuse. Described as an energetic, creative leader with strong interpersonal skills, she has earned several honors for her work. She also brings to CVCS experience as a professional speaker, trainer and assistant professor as well as exceptionally strong marketing skills.

Her peers describe Ms. Cottingham’s major strengths as strong managerial skills and great commitment. They recognize outstanding leadership capabilities, an engaging personality, intelligence, compassion and an excellent sense of humor. Comments one, “She is in the top one percent of clinicians, teachers and administrators, demonstrating great integrity in the way she functions personally and professionally.”

CVCS Board Chair Lynn Doss states, “This was the first time in 20 years we have had to replace the executive director at CVCS and the goal of the Board was to conduct a nationwide search to find the best person possible to assume the position. We are very pleased Nancy Cottingham has agreed to accept our offer. We feel she is the best person to lead the agency.”