Longtime Pinellas County mental health agency CEO retires

Barbara Daire, the CEO of Suncoast Center, will retire after a career of 44 years, according to a Friday news release.

Daire served 24 years as CEO of the Pinellas County mental health agency. The nonprofit, which provides mental health, substance abuse and sexual assault services throughout Pinellas County, had $17.37 million in service revenue in its most recent fiscal year, according to public tax filings. 

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"It has been an incredible journey serving Suncoast Center and an honor to serve as CEO," says Daire. "I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together and deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated staff, volunteers, partners, and donors, who share our commitment to making a positive difference in Pinellas County."

Suncoast Center says it expanded its work in Pinellas County during Daire’s tenure, impacting individuals, families and communities through initiatives and programs.

"Her leadership not only shaped the trajectory of Suncoast Center but her formation of the Pinellas County Behavioral Health System of Care consortium transformed the way behavioral health providers and other community members collaborate for best behavioral health practices in Pinellas County," the agency says.

The Suncoast Center board says it has initiated a search process to identify a successor.

Founded in 1944, Suncoast Center each year consults with more than 20,000 children, adults and families with behavioral health concerns and sexual-assault trauma.