Fran McDermid, M.Ed., named executive director of Strawberry Fields, Inc.

Devereux, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit providers of behavioral healthcare, today announced that Fran McDermid, M.Ed., has been selected as executive director of Strawberry Fields, Inc.

McDermid currently serves as Strawberry Fields’ director of mental health and social enterprise operations, a position she has held since 2019. She will assume her new role on July 1.

As executive director, McDermid will oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization that offers residential and community-based services for individuals and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and mental health challenges across Centre County, Pennsylvania.

“Fran is a highly accomplished, mission-driven leader who is committed to meeting the needs of the community and ensuring Strawberry Fields continues to provide high-quality, compassionate care for those who need it most,” said Devereux President and CEO Carl E. Clark II. “Her extensive behavioral healthcare background and unyielding dedication to helping those we support achieve their full and unique potential make her perfectly suited for this position.”

Devereux Vice President of Operations Steve Bruce M.Ed., BCBA., noted, “Fran has dedicated her nearly 20-year career at Strawberry Fields to enriching the lives of individuals and families with disabilities. She has led with passion and purpose and a belief in the inherent potential of each and every individual. In her new role, Fran will be responsible for continuing to strengthen Strawberry Fields’ programs and services and foster a welcoming, supportive environment where those served by the organization can truly thrive.”

About Fran McDermid, M.Ed.

As executive director of Strawberry Fields, Inc., Fran McDermid, M.Ed., brings nearly 20 years of behavioral healthcare experience to this position. Fran joined Strawberry Fields in 2007 as the coordinator of the specialized mental health residential program, Fairweather Lodge, and a certified peer specialist supervisor. In 2013, she was promoted to director of compliance, quality and training and compliance officer. In 2019, Fran assumed the role of director of mental health and social enterprise operations where she oversaw Fairweather Lodge, the social enterprises, Good Day Café and Scraps and Skeins, as well as blended case management, peer support and community residential rehabilitation programs.

Prior to joining Strawberry Fields, Fran served as a job coach at the Skills of Central PA’s Opportunity Centre Clubhouse; AmeriCorps member at Centre County Youth Service Bureaus’ Stormbreak shelter; and assistant swim coach at Penn State University. Fran holds a Master of Education in rehabilitation counseling (psychiatric specialization) and a Bachelor of Arts in international politics from Penn State University. She also is a licensed certified rehabilitation counselor.