Shore House has named Rich Ambrosino as Executive Director of the Long Branch-based nonprofit devoted to empowering and restoring hope, independence and self-worth for people living with a mental illness.
Ambrosino’s appointment comes on the heels of an extensive period of expansion for the nonprofit. In addition to navigating mental health care and providing continuous services to members throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Shore House purchased and opened a new clubhouse in 2020 at 266 Broadway in Long Branch, and introduced a new transportation program that enables more members to take part in clubhouse programs.
Under Ambrosino’s guidance, Shore House will continue to expand funding, programming and services and will oversee a capital campaign in the coming year for renovations and upgrades to the new clubhouse. Ambrosino succeeds Susan Mazzeo who resigned from the position earlier this year.
“Shore House has been an instrumental service in the community, and I am honored to have this opportunity to lead them during this period of growth and opportunity,” Ambrosino said.
“While securing funding and increasing our program capacity will be my top priorities, I look forward to influencing change at the highest levels and will work to ensure that New Jersey recognizes mental health care as health care at this critical juncture in time. I thank the board for their confidence in me and look forward to joining with them to build on their successes and achievements at Shore House.”
Ambrosino joins Shore House after serving as Managing Partner of 1868 Public Affairs, a Trenton-based government affairs consultancy, for 21 years.
Prior, he served as Governor Christine Todd Whitman’s Senior Deputy Director of Communications. His work helped advance the Whitman administration’s agenda in a variety of areas, including health care, education, senior and veterans’ issues, and the environment. Over the past two decades, Ambrosino has served in various campaigns at the national, state and county level in a wide variety of roles.
“Rich brings a practical approach to problem solving and leadership, a keen understanding of legislation and its impact on our operations, and an ability to leverage his experience in the State of New Jersey – all which will be instrumental in helping Shore House as we plan for the future,” added Peder Hagberg, Shore House Board President.
“During COVID-19 we never shut down; we provided ongoing programming for our members. With our resulting growth, and the dramatically increased need for mental health services in New Jersey, we are thrilled to have Rich to help us navigate these challenging times. The Board is excited to work with Rich and shares in my confidence that Shore House will be well positioned for growth and increased visibility under his leadership.”
Learn more about how Shore House is making waves for mental wellness at ShoreHouseNJ.org.
