Agency’s first BIPOC leader and only 5th CEO in nonprofit’s last 72 years of community service
October 28, 2022 — Minneapolis, MN — Washburn Center’s Board of Trustees has named Craig Warren (he/him), Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Washburn Center for Children.
With swelling demand and pressure on how mental health care is accessed and delivered, the Washburn Center board voted unanimously in Craig as the leader to lead Washburn Center in the sustainability of the agency and to transform children’s mental health care.
“As we shape children’s mental health care for today and beyond – we are confident that, in Craig, we’ve tapped a bold leader who is centered on compassion, equity and sustainable growth,” says David Donnay, board chair for Washburn Center for Children.
Warren immediately steps up as only the 5th CEO in 72 years for the agency. Notably, he is the agency’s first BIPOC leader, a significant milestone as the agency assures culturally responsive care for children and families; of note, more than 55% of those served by Washburn Center identify as BIPOC.
“Our community’s children and teens are in deep emotional crisis. And we are just seeing the tip of the iceberg,” says Warren. “This generation of children faces long-term impacts of COVID and what has become a historic mental health emergency.”
“Yet, our team has the honor of seeing hope in the homes, schools and clinics where we meet children and families—and often witness joy in that healing,” Warren says. “And, with the generous spirit of donors and partners across the Twin Cities we know that our impact will only grow in years to come.”
Donnay highlighted Warren’s finance, business and leadership skills developed over 25 years in the private, public and nonprofit sectors. “His heart is rooted in driving equity, diversity and inclusion through our mission with a keen eye for sustainability that’s grounded in his financial experience. His passion for serving children and family was inspired by his late mother’s career in social work in the CPS field. We are delighted to partner with him in the future of this mission.”
Warren joined Washburn Center in 2020 as Chief Administrative Officer and has served as acting CEO since May 2022. His professional experience also includes leadership roles at Minnesota Children’s Museum, Greater Twin Cities United Way, Best Buy, Rockwell Automation, The Coca-Cola Company, Towers Perrin and the United States Army. He is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins University and the University of Chicago.
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Washburn Center for Children leads in child-centered care with the broadest and deepest spectrum of outpatient children’s mental health services in Minnesota. With one of the largest teams of children’s mental health therapists, its community-based model is strengthened by families and children served and grounded by impact that reaches to family networks, neighborhoods, schools and communities. Washburn Center is also a leader in training mental health professionals in trauma-informed, evidence-based care. Visit www.washburn.org for more information.
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Contact: Julie Carver, mobile: 612-5970934, Julie.carver@washburn.org