Mental Health Advocate Matthew Davison Named CEO of NAMI Chicago

Mental Health Advocate Matthew Davison Named CEO of NAMI Chicago

CHICAGO — The Board of Directors of NAMI Chicago is proud to announce the appointment of Matthew (Matt) Davison as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective now.

Davison is a nationally recognized advocate and attorney who has dedicated his career to advancing mental health law and policy. He has represented thousands of individuals with lived experience across the behavioral health continuum and has worked closely with providers, hospitals, and crisis workers at the intersection of health care and the law. In 2020, NAMI Chicago honored him with its Light the Darkness award for his community advocacy.

“I am humbled and excited to join NAMI Chicago,” said Davison. “This team is leading the way toward a more modern, dignified system of care for those too often overlooked or marginalized. At a time when so many are overwhelmed, NAMI Chicago will continue to amplify these voices that deserve to be seen, heard, and supported. I can’t wait to get to work on this vital mission.”

“We are delighted to welcome Matt as our next CEO,” said Dr. Teresa Garate, Chair of NAMI Chicago’s Board of Directors. “He brings unparalleled expertise and a deep personal commitment to ensuring people living with severe mental illness — and their families — are supported, respected, and empowered. His leadership comes at a critical moment of need and opportunity for mental health services in our community.”

Davison’s leadership includes serving as Chairperson of the Chicago Bar Association’s Mental Health and Disability Law Committee, presenting at community and professional forums, and drafting state legislation to improve access to behavioral health care in Illinois. He currently serves as adjunct faculty at UIC School of Law.

He earned his undergraduate degree from Virginia Wesleyan College, his J.D. from the John Marshall Law School (now UIC School of Law), and an M.A. from the Naval Postgraduate School, where he received awards for academic excellence. He lives in Chicago with his wife and two daughters.

Davison succeeds Alexa James, who led NAMI Chicago for nearly 12 years, growing the organization’s impact and strengthening its voice in policy and advocacy. In the past year alone, NAMI Chicago successfully advocated for $16.5 million in ongoing funding of mental health services for public university and community college campuses and $40 million annually to sustain the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and other crisis response services statewide. Additionally, the organization supported more than 35,000 people through its Helpline and 988 Lifeline and earned recognition as one of Chicago’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For for two consecutive years.

NAMI Chicago engaged Kittleman & Associates, a national executive search firm specializing in nonprofit leadership, to support the search process.

If you or someone you know needs mental health care and resources, call or text the NAMI Chicago Helpline at 833-NAMI-CHI (626-4244) or visit namichicago.org.

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