Eliza T. Williamson appointed as Executive Director of NAMI Massachusetts
Woburn, Massachusetts – The Board of Directors of NAMI Massachusetts (NAMI Mass) proudly announces the appointment of Eliza T. Williamson as Executive Director of NAMI Massachusetts.
Eliza brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having worked in the non-profit sector in Massachusetts for over two decades. Her extensive background includes advocacy, writing, national training, speaking engagements, and curriculum development, all focused on supporting individuals and families facing life-interrupting challenges such as trauma, mental health conditions, substance use issues, homelessness, and systemic oppression. Eliza holds a Master of Education with a focus in Conflict Resolution and Violence Prevention and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, both from Lesley University. As a queer woman whose young adult life was interrupted by her own mental health struggles and the associated discrimination, Eliza knows firsthand the way in which the mental health system can help as well as harm someone.
Having dedicated 13 years of service to NAMI Mass in various capacities, Eliza possesses an intimate understanding of the organization’s systems, processes, core values, and mission. As someone living with a mental health condition, she embodies NAMI Mass’ vision of creating a society that humanizes the experience of mental health challenges while promoting the values of respect, agency, self-determination, non-coercion, and non-violence. Her steadfast advocacy and unwavering commitment to NAMI Mass over the years make her an exemplary leader for the organization.
Eliza’s journey with NAMI Mass began in 2011 as an In Our Own Voice (IOOV) speaker. Subsequently, she served on the NAMI Mass Board of Directors from 2013 to 2015 before transitioning to the role of Program Coordinator for IOOV. Her outstanding contributions resulted in successive promotions to Director of Community Education and Training, followed by Deputy Director of Programs, ultimately leading to her appointment as Interim Executive Director. Throughout her tenure, Eliza demonstrated exceptional leadership, guiding the program department through periods of significant growth and consistently stepping up to meet the organization’s evolving needs.
“NAMI Mass helped me find ways to give voice to my lived experience – not only as proof that recovery was possible, and as a vehicle to promote understanding and reduce stigma, but also to share the wisdom gleaned from overcoming great struggle,” said Eliza. “ It is this passion and experience that fuels my commitment to NAMI Mass and to ensuring that the voices of those most impacted are central to conversations shaping the future of mental health.”
NAMI Mass is a grassroots, statewide nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with mental health conditions, their families, and their caregivers. Through education, advocacy, and support, NAMI Mass works to improve public awareness and understanding of mental health conditions and ensure that all people impacted by a mental health condition receive the support they need when they need it. The organization influences the state’s mental health policies, elevating the voices of those with lived experience. NAMI Mass programs are free to participants and are led by people with first-hand experience navigating the mental health system for themselves or a family member.
“As we embark on this new chapter with Eliza at the helm, NAMI Mass remains steadfast in its commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals living with mental health conditions, their families, and caregivers across Massachusetts,” said Maura Buxton, President of the Board of Directors at NAMI Mass. “We celebrate Eliza Williamson’s appointment and commend her for her years of dedicated service to NAMI Mass!” Learn more about NAMI Massachusetts at namimass.org
