#United States #mental health #Oakland, California #Fred Finch Youth #David Channer

David Channer Appointed as the New CEO of Fred Finch Youth & Family Services

Fred Finch Youth & Family Services, a respected provider of mental health and behavioral health services in California since 1891, has announced the appointment of David Channer as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 20, 2026. He will succeed Tom Alexander, who recently retired after years of dedicated service.

Lacy Vong, Chair of the Fred Finch board, expressed her confidence in Channer's suitability for the role, stating, "David is an excellent addition to the Fred Finch team. The Board conducted an extensive search to find the next leader to continue the organization's 135 years of excellent mental and behavioral health services. We selected David because of his deep understanding of public funding and county relationships, as well as his commitment to helping children, youth, and families overcome mental and behavioral health challenges."

Fred Finch, originally founded in Oakland as an orphanage, has expanded its services to include residential treatment, family support, transitional housing, and community-based behavioral health programs. The organization plays a pivotal role in supporting vulnerable populations and is known for its trauma-informed care approach.

Channer, an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), brings extensive experience to Fred Finch. He previously worked at A Better Way, a Berkeley-based nonprofit where he spent two decades, five of which he served as CEO. During his tenure, he successfully grew the organization into a $15 million entity, enhancing service capacity and expanding its geographic reach through strategic collaborations with county systems.

Notably, Channer's connection with Fred Finch dates back to his earlier career when he worked with the organization as a supervisor for the Therapeutic Behavioral Services program. His background equips him with unique insights into the needs of the communities served by Fred Finch.

In an official statement, Channer stated, "Fred Finch is a nationally recognized leader in the field that was among the first to adopt a trauma and culturally responsive delivery of care, something deeply important to me. I'm proud of what I helped build at A Better Way, and I'm excited to bring my experience and passion to Fred Finch—an organization with an exciting and diversified array of programs, deep community roots, and a board and staff that are clearly committed to doing this work right."

Until Channer assumes his role, Laura McClarin will serve as the interim CEO. Following the transition, she plans to return to her previous position as Vice President of Program Operations and collaborate closely with Channer and the leadership team to uphold the organization's legacy of excellence.

About Fred Finch Youth & Family Services

Fred Finch Youth & Family Services is a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on fostering resilience, wellness, and equity among youth, families, and communities. The agency provides mental health, behavioral health, and social services to populations facing complex challenges, such as trauma, poverty, homelessness, systemic barriers, and cognitive disabilities. With over a century of commitment, Fred Finch aims to ensure access to compassionate and high-quality support, empowering individuals to build brighter futures. For more information, visit Fred Finch.