Mental Health Advocate Peter Ashenden Named
Executive Vice President for the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

(CHICAGO, May 30, 2007)— The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), the nation’s largest consumer-run organization focusing on the most prevalent mental illnesses, today announced that nationally-recognized consumer advocate Peter Ashenden has been named executive vice president, effective August 1.

Currently, Ashenden serves as executive director of the Mental Health Empowerment Project (MHEP) Inc., a not-for-profit corporation that develops and enhances self-help and mutual support and recovery activities for mental health consumers throughout New York State and the nation. He is a frequent speaker at mental health and recovery conferences and, as a consumer/survivor he brings firsthand experience and insights to his presentations and consulting services. Ashenden serves as secretary on DBSA’s board of directors but will step down from that position when he assumes his new role.

In his capacity as executive VP for DBSA, Ashenden’s primary responsibilities will encompass strategic planning and the coordination and marketing of revenue-generating products, programs and services.

Working in conjunction with DBSA’s president Sue Bergeson and the board of directors, Ashenden is charged with ensuring that all the organization’s programs and policies are aligned with the mission to improve the lives of people living with mood disorders.

“It’s a real coup for DBSA to have an individual as accomplished and respected as Peter join our team in an executive capacity,” said Bergeson. “I look forward to working closely with Peter as we continue to grow the organization and help transform the lives of our constituents for the better.”

Ashenden’s day-to-day responsibilities will also include oversight of the programs and communications functions. Additional responsibilities will entail market analysis, product identification and development, marketing and evaluation.

During his tenure with MHEP, Ashenden provided recovery-oriented training to other consumers and mental health professionals. He is widely acknowledged as a leading consumer advocate and has started many self-help groups. Ashenden is an executive committee member and U.S. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services, representative for the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (NYAPRS); a board member for the Baltic Street Mental Health Board; former treasurer of the Peer Accreditation Project; and a former board member of PEOPLe Inc., a leading human services agency in New York.

Ashenden currently resides in New York State and is in the process of relocating to Chicago where DBSA is headquartered.

For more information, visit www.DBSAlliance.org

For more information contact Keith Romero at (312) 642-0049. 

Related Information

DBSA's Board of Directors 
Peter Ashenden to present at the DBSA 2007 National Conference