Home Industries Health Services Allen named permanent CEO and president of Thrive Behavioral Health

Allen named permanent CEO and president of Thrive Behavioral Health

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PBN Staff

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10/15/2025

THRIVE BEHAVIORAL Health’s board of directors on Wednesday approved Dawn Allen as permanent CEO and president, effective immediately. / PBN FILE PHOTO/ELIZABETH GRAHAM

WARWICK – After seven months of leading Thrive Behavioral Health on an interim basis, Dawn Allen now has the job permanently. The community behavioral health clinic’s board of directors Wednesday approved Allen as permanent CEO and president effective immediately. Allen, a 2025 Providence Business News C-Suite Award winner, has served as CEO since May 2025 and

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WARWICK – After seven months of leading Thrive Behavioral Health on an interim basis, Dawn Allen now has the job permanently. The community behavioral health clinic's board of directors Wednesday approved Allen as permanent CEO and president effective immediately. Allen, a 2025 Providence Business News C-Suite Award winner, has served as CEO since May 2025 and has been part of Thrive’s leadership team since 2019. Dr. Kleckner Charles, who was named Thrive's first Black CEO a year ago, resigned in March. “[Allen] has already demonstrated the kind of visionary, steady leadership this organization needs,” said Jennifer Wheelehon, Thrive chairperson. “Her strategic insight, deep commitment to Thrive’s mission, and ability to bring people together across programs and partnerships make her the ideal person to lead us forward." Since joining Thrive, Allen has worked across every level of the organization to strengthen service delivery and advocate for system-wide improvements, Thrive said. As chief of staff, Allen worked closely with Charles, advocated for legislation and worked on the national level with various councils. Prior to that, Allen led Thrive’s special projects. She used community connections and her previous experience to manage a $4 million federal grant to turn Thrive into a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic. The model meets patients where they are in their recovery journey. One objective of the grant was sustainability, Thrive said. Allen began collaborating with the state behavioral health and health and human services departments, and with the National Council for Mental Well-Being to help build Thrive. “I am deeply honored to continue leading Thrive and to work alongside our dedicated staff and community partners,” Allen said. “Together, we’ll continue to expand access to high-quality care, innovate to meet evolving needs, and strengthen Thrive’s position as a trusted leader in behavioral health for all Rhode Islanders.”