Burrell appoints new leader for charitable arm

provided by Burrell Behavioral Health

Kristen Weaver takes on the top role at the Burrell Foundation.

Last edited 2:28 p.m., Nov. 20, 2023 [Editor's note: A note about the former director has been added.]

A new leader has been appointed to head the charitable arm of Burrell Behavioral Health.

Kristen Weaver brings more than 25 years of leadership experience to her role as executive director of the Burrell Foundation, according to a news release.

"She has developed a reputation as a highly effective strategist, cross-functional collaborator, community builder and leader of high-profile, capacity-building initiatives that transform organizations to better meet the needs of marginalized populations," officials said in the release.

Before starting at the Burrell Foundation in September, Weaver was chief strategy officer and communications and advocacy lead of Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara in California, according to her LinkedIn profile.

"I feel honored to lead Burrell Foundation into its next chapter, inspiring conversation, erasing stigma and advocating for health equity," Weaver said in a public LinkedIn post about her appointment. "We are rewriting the narrative surrounding brain health, so all people have an opportunity to thrive, regardless of their journey or background."

The Burrell Foundation helps fulfill unmet mental health needs across the system, according to the release. Weaver oversees strategy and operations, philanthropy efforts and the promotion of community development initiatives.

Former Burrell Foundation Executive Director Gabrielle Martin exited in June after nearly three years at the helm, according to her LinkedIn profile. Burrell officials said Martin "left to pursue other opportunities."