WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – Detroit police chief James White has been named the new president and CEO of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN).
The DWIHN is Michigan’s largest community mental health organization, which supports more than 123,000 people in Wayne County.
Last month, White confirmed to Local 4 that he had applied for the position. He said at the time that “it’s an extremely important role at a critical time for Detroit and Wayne County. We continue to have a mental health crisis in our community that needs to be addressed at multiple levels.”
White was named chief of the Detroit Police Department in 2021. White has a background in mental health. He received a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Wayne State University. He has previously served as the executive director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.
The DWIHN’s search for a new CEO began in July of this year. Out of the more than 60 candidates, interviews were completed with the top seven. The final two candidates, which included White, were interviewed in front of a group of panelists that included members from the organization’s provider network, community stakeholders, and staff.
It was announced on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, that White would be the DWIHN’s new president and CEO. The DWIHN board of directors named White the organization’s new president and CEO in a unanimous vote with one abstention.
“We are very pleased with the choice of Mr. White to continue leading DWIHN and we feel confident that he is the right person for the critical job of leading this organization as we enter this next phase of growth to help our region’s most vulnerable citizens,” said noard chairperson, Dr. Cynthia Taueg.
Interim CEO Manny Singla will continue overseeing all day-to-day operations with the Executive Leadership Team. White is expected to work with DWIHN board chairperson Taueg to transition into the new role and determine a start date.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan posted to X Wednesday afternoon regarding White.
I know he’ll take those same talents and dramatically improve mental health services to the people of Wayne County as the CEO of DWIHN.
— Mayor Mike Duggan (@MayorMikeDuggan) October 16, 2024
“Board of Police Commissioners Chair Darryl Woods issued the following statement about the selection of Chie James White as DWIHN President and CEO:
"As Detroit Police Chief for three years, James White has been very successful in providing fresh yet experienced leadership to rally the Department in taking new strategic approaches to reducing crime and promoting greater public safety across our city. He has been a strong partner for the Board of Police Commissioners as a leader who embraced transparency and police accountability.
“Right now, the Board remains focused on the important work of civilian oversight of the Department.
We also are committed to working with Chief White and the entire department on a smooth transition. The Board will be taking the next steps at the appropriate time to fulfill our charter-mandated role to conduct a search for a new chief and submit three qualified candidates to the Mayor.
"The Board certainly wishes Chief White well as he looks ahead to a new and important role for our community as president and CEO of the Detroit-Wayne Integrated Health Network."
Board of Police Commissioners Chair Darryl Woods