Jamie Palagi will be the new chief executive officer of Intermountain, a Helena-based nonprofit that provides services to children, adults and families with mental health needs, officials with the agency said.
“Ms. Palagi has dedicated her career to serving children, families and individuals facing vulnerability for more than 27 years, including having served in leadership roles in state government and the private and non-profit sectors,” Intermountain officials said in an emailed statement released Monday evening.
Palagi, who has lived in the Helena area for 18 years, starts April 1, officials said.
Palagi will take over the position now held by Acting CEO Wesley Taylor, who has served in the role since December while Intermountain sought a full-time replacement.
Intermountain officials said Palagi brings “significant expertise and experience” to the new job, specifically in the areas of public policy, organizational development and operations, strategic planning, program design and service delivery.
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Palagi said in the news release she's honored to join Intermountain and is committed to ensuring it continues to provide best-in-class service for "staff, communities and families."
"This is our privilege and obligation,” she said.
Board President Tim Lanham said the search included staff input. He welcomed Palagi to Intermountain.
"We are confident that her experience and expertise will guide Intermountain into its next chapter," he said, adding they were grateful to Taylor for "his leadership during this time of transition.”
Intermountain has been serving the Helena community since 1909. According to the news release, its services include child and family outpatient therapy, inpatient residential treatment, co-occurring services, case management, psychiatric medication management, occupational therapy, speech therapy and therapeutic education services.
Intermountain hired local firm Communication and Management Services in its search.
Palagi’s hiring comes after some troubles for Intermountain.
In August 2023, 55 Intermountain employees submitted a letter expressing a vote of no confidence in the board and its then-interim Chief Executive Officer Gary Larcenaire, saying recent incidents at the facility had created a toxic atmosphere.
Shortly thereafter, Intermountain announced it would temporarily close its residential program beginning Sept. 22 due to a staffing shortage. The decision impacted 16 children, ages 4-14, and 55 employees in two cottages.
Some families hired attorneys who reached an agreement to continue the program through Nov. 30.
However, Intermountain said it would continue its residential program.