LEAD WITH NICOLE
Serve. Innovate. Thrive.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
STRATEGIC PLANNING AND GROWTH STRATEGY
INTERGRATED HEALTH INNOVATION (CCBHC/FQHC)
MANAGED CARE OPERTAIONS AND FISCAL MANAGEMENT
PUBLIC POLICY AND HEALTH EQUITY
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, ACQUISTIONS, AND REVNUE GROWTH
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
City & State PA Forty Under 40 is an annual event that honors 40 talented individuals under the age of 40 who are leading in their respective fields of Pennsylvania government, politics, and advocacy. Connell was named an awardee for her innovative contributions to Behavioral Health and Social Services in Southeast PA.
Philadelphia Business Journal honors 21 diverse leaders from Greater Philadelphia's business community for 2026. Connell was named as one of the region's most influential business leaders and accomplished executives for her professional achievements and strong support for the diverse communities.
Influential Women Magazine creates visibility and recognition for women leaders internationally . The magazine showcases women entrepreneurs, women executives, women innovators, and women changemakers. Connell has been recognized and featured in the inaugural issue of the publication and now publishes content to inspire women in leadership.
Connell accepted the 2025 Bell of Hope Award at the Mental Health Partnership Annual Gala on behalf of the Merakey Mental Health Walk-In Clinic, Philadelphia's first Adult Behavioral Health Urgent Care. Led by Connell and her team, in only it's first year of operation the program served nearly 4,000 individuals . The urgent care was recognized as the 2025 Paving the Way Program for its innovative model and transformative impact on Philadelphia’s behavioral health system.
EXECUTIVE BACKGROUND SUMMARY
2022- Present
SENIOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MERAKEY
Directs all operational, fiscal, and strategic initiatives for Adult Behavioral Health Services in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Region. Works closely with regulatory, payer, and county leadership to ensure that programs consistently meet and exceed service provider standards. Leads the development and implementation of innovative strategies to foster business development and secure growth opportunities, managing a robust integrated healthcare portfolio.
2021-2022
CHIEF OF INNOVATION AND EFFECTIVENESS, DBHIDS
Leader of the Division of Innovation and Effectiveness for the City of Philadelphia Dept. of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS), a $1.6 billion healthcare organization. Oversee the development and integration of innovative approaches to advance behavioral health wellness and treatment. Member of the Division Leadership and Executive Management teams of DBHIDS.
2019-2021
CHIEF OF STAFF AND OPERATIONS, DBHIDS
On behalf of the Commissioner for the City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS), plan and direct administrative, financial, and operational activities for a 1.6-billion-dollar public health care organization. Provide direct oversight to the department's administrative divisions and operational functions.
2017-2019
SPECIAL ADVISOR TO THE COMMISSIONER, DBHIDS
Served as the chief advisor to the City of DBHIDS Commissioner on projects of high importance and responsible for the oversight of executive team operations. Served as central point of contact and gatekeeper between the organization leadership, external stakeholders, and elected officials.
2014-2017
STRATEGIST, COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT UNIT , DBHIDS (CBH)
In the Strategic Planning and Innovation Division of DBHIDS, developed and implemented targeted population health strategies to increase behavioral health awareness, resources, and access for the city of Philadelphia’s highest need communities. Led new program development for city wide behavioral health initiatives to decrease gaps in access for specialized populations.
2011-2014
PROGRAM MANAGER- RESIDENT SELF SUFFICIENCY AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, PHA
On behalf of the Philadelphia Housing Authority provided oversight for three federal HUD Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) grant programs. Leveraged public and private resources to enable families to achieve economic self-sufficiency and meet personal and professional goals.
“Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us.”