Monarch, a statewide non-profit that provides services and support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness and substance use disorders, announced that Dr. Alexandra Spessot has been named chief medical officer.

As the chief medical officer at Monarch, Spessot will ensure that all medical administrative processes for the organization’s behavioral health locations and telemedicine processes in North Carolina meet the ever-evolving healthcare standards, as well as provide a continuum of care to approximately 30,000 people. She will provide oversight and direction for nearly 50 medical providers at Monarch.

“We are pleased Dr. Spessot will join the Monarch family as a member of our executive leadership team. She has excelled in a variety of patient-focused and provider settings that will help us continue to advance our goal to offer innovative and quality care,” said Peggy Terhune, Monarch’s president/chief executive officer.

“Dr. Spessot will ensure that clinical programs continue to grow and move forward in providing excellent service across the state,” Terhune added. “The people we support, as well as the Monarch staff, will certainly benefit from her behavioral health expertise, knowledge and insight.”

As the new chief medical officer, Spessot will provide medical leadership at the community and state level. As part of Monarch’s strategic plan, she will help the organization foster positive relationships with local stakeholders, legislators, potential donors, payers and physician groups as it relates to behavioral health services.

“I look forward to serving the people Monarch supports,” said Spessot. “Monarch’s relentless commitment to providing the best possible mental health care to those in need is what initially drew me to the role. I am honored to join Monarch in its mission to help individuals reach their goals and live their best lives.”

Spessot most recently served as the director of psychiatric emergency care at the Durham VA Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina.

She is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is a member of the American Psychiatric Association.

She completed her residency training at Duke University Medical Center in General Adult Psychiatry. She earned her medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies and Sociology from The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

Established in 1958, Monarch provides support statewide to thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness and substance use disorders.