Thresholds Welcomes Amber Kirchhoff as Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy

Thresholds Welcomes Amber Kirchhoff as Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy

Kirchhoff returns to Thresholds to lead federal, state and local advocacy initiatives

CHICAGO — Thresholds, one of the largest mental health and substance use treatment providers in Illinois, announced that Amber Kirchhoff has joined the organization as Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy. In this role, Kirchhoff will lead Thresholds’ federal, state and local advocacy efforts to expand access to mental health and substance use care, strengthen Medicaid and advance policies that promote equity and opportunity for communities across Illinois.

Kirchhoff, who previously served as Thresholds’ Manager of Public Policy and Advocacy, returns after five years at the Illinois Primary Health Care Association (IPHCA). As Associate Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs, she championed legislative efforts that secured significant Medicaid rate increases for community health centers and established the Equity and Representation in Health Care Act, a scholarship and student loan repayment program to strengthen the health care workforce.

“Amber brings not only deep policy expertise, but also a true passion for Thresholds, our people and our mission to her new role,” said Mark Ishaug, President and CEO of Thresholds. “At a time when organizations like ours are facing immense challenges, we are grateful to have such a passionate advocate championing our members’ needs and fighting to protect the services that make recovery and stability possible.”

As Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy, Kirchhoff will oversee Thresholds’ advocacy strategy, working with policymakers, coalitions and community partners to advance legislation, defend critical funding and promote policies that expand access to care. She will also serve as a key voice for Thresholds in Springfield, bringing the organization’s expertise and mission to the policy arena.

“Thresholds has long been a leader in advancing bold, compassionate policies that transform lives,” Kirchhoff said. “I am honored to return to the organization where I first grew as a policy advocate and to lead work that is urgently needed to expand access to behavioral health care, housing and human services across Illinois.”

Kirchhoff holds a Master of Arts in Civic Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She begins her new role on September 3.

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