LEAD WITH NICOLE
Serve. Innovate. Thrive.
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 in 2025 for innovative contributions to Behavioral Health and Social Services in Southeast PA.
Since 1899, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Connell was selected for inclusion in 2025.
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 portfolio that generates over $60 million in annual revenue.
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.
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, 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.
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.”