Office Of The Director

Richard Charest

Director, RI Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals

In June of 2021, Richard Charest, MBA, was appointed by Governor Daniel McKee and confirmed by the RI State Senate as  Director of the RI Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals. 

Mr. Charest has more than 30 years' experience in the health care arena. He also has extensive turn-around experience, having led not-for-profit and for-profit community hospitals with specialty programs and a for-profit specialty hospital.

Previously serving as President and CEO of Landmark Medical Center, Mr. Charest successfully led hospital operations and finances through receivership, reassured the community and engaged employees and medical staff to ensure uninterrupted high-quality care. He also served as President and CEO of the Rehabilitation Hospital of Rhode Island and held several executive leadership positions with Landmark Medical Center. In 2020, providing some consulting services on healthcare management and operations at Eleanor Slater Hospital gave him crucial knowledge of a facility that he oversees as BHDDH Director.

Mr. Charest is adamant that everyone who needs services provided by BHDDH receive steadfast and exceptional care. It does not matter if the care is provided directly by a BHDDH employee or in partnership with community agency that BHDDH oversees or licenses, Mr. Charest believes the services must be seamless and thorough.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 

Director Richard Charest
Phone: (401) 462-2339
Fax:     (401)462-3204
Email   Cristina.Cifredo@bhddh.ri.gov
 

BHDDH Chief of Staff

Elizabeth Silvestre
Phone: (401) 462-2339
Fax:     (401)462-3204
Email:  Cristina.Cifredo@bhddh.ri.gov

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT:

Cristina Cifredo
Phone: (401) 462-2339
Fax:     (401)462-3204
Email:  Cristina.Cifredo@bhddh.ri.gov

MEDIA CONTACT:

Randal Edgar
Phone: (401) 462-3405
Fax:     (401)462-3204
Email   Randal.Edgar@bhddh.ri.gov