Sara Harrison-Mills Named New Syntero CEO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Dublin, OH) – June 11, 2024 – Syntero, Inc. announced today the appointment of Sara Harrison-Mills, MSW, LISW-S, as their new Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1, 2024. This decision comes after an extensive internal and external search process. The Board of Directors is confident in Sara’s ability to lead Syntero with her vast experience in the behavioral health industry, proven history of program development, and unwavering commitment to the organization's mission and values.

Harrison-Mills began her career with Syntero in 2011 as an outpatient clinician for Dublin Counseling Center which merged with Northwest Counseling Center in 2013 to form Syntero and has served in various leadership roles, most recently as the chief clinical officer. Her career spans more than two decades in the non-profit behavioral health sector, where she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to community mental health. Her alignment with Syntero’s values of integrity, innovation, empowerment, and inclusivity made her the standout choice for the CEO position.

“I am honored and excited to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer, and I look forward to working with our talented team to continue to bring hope and healing to our community,” said Harrison-Mills. “I am proud to lead Syntero in our unwavering commitment to expanding access, driving innovation and championing compassion in the field of behavioral health. Together, with our dedicated team, board and community partners, we are poised to break down barriers, spark meaningful change and illuminate paths to healing and hope for every individual we serve.”

Outgoing CEO Julie Erwin Rinaldi, whose last day will be July 31, 2024, expressed her confidence in Sara’s leadership capabilities. “I am so proud of our organization for demonstrating the importance of a strong, thoughtful succession planning process. By passing the torch to Sara, I am assured that Syntero is in very capable and caring hands,” Erwin Rinaldi stated.

Syntero’s board chairperson, Women’s Health Alliance CEO Krista Stock, expressed gratitude on behalf of the organization’s board of directors to Erwin Rinaldi for her 15 years of dedicated leadership and shared the board’s enthusiasm about Harrison-Mills’ vision for the future of Syntero.

“This leadership transition is a testament to the organization’s commitment to continuity and excellence,” Stock said, “Sara’s extensive knowledge of our programs, operations, and culture, combined with her innovative approach and dedication to our mission, make her uniquely qualified to lead Syntero. We are confident that Sara will continue to drive the organization forward in a positive and strategic manner aligned with our core values.”

Harrison-Mills earned both a Master’s degree in Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Hispanic Studies from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and has more than 20 years of experience working in the non-profit behavioral health sector. She resides in Powell, Ohio with her husband Randy and their two children, Mya and Auden.

For more information about Syntero, Inc. and its services, please visit www.syntero.org.

About Syntero, Inc.:

Syntero, Inc. is a non-profit organization that advocates and supports the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities. With a history of 46 years of excellence, Syntero provides trauma-informed professional, compassionate behavioral health and social services that adapt to the changing needs of the community. Syntero currently serves central Ohio children, adolescents, adults, families, and communities from four offices in Dublin, Hilliard, Lewis Center and Mount Gilead and through a variety of specialized school- and community-based programs. Syntero is accredited by The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and funded in part by ADAMH Board of Franklin County and Delaware, Morrow Mental Health & Recovery Services Board, various community grants and corporate, foundation and individual donations.  

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