Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.

Daniel H. Gillison Jr. is a mental health advocate and nonprofit leader who serves as chief executive officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization. Gillison provides strategic leadership to the organization, drawing on more than 30 years of professional experience in mental health advocacy and nonprofit management. His commitment to mental health is informed by personal experiences with mental illness and its impact on families.

Gillison joined the National Alliance on Mental Illness from the American Psychiatric Association Foundation, where he served as executive director. In that role, he was responsible for strategic planning, personnel management, board communications, oversight of public education programs and outreach, and the development of strategic alliances and partnerships. He also served as acting director for diversity and health equity. Prior to his work at the foundation, Gillison led County Solutions and Innovation for the National Association of Counties, where he repositioned programs to provide expertise in health and human services, justice, and public safety.

During his tenure at the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Gillison has overseen initiatives that expanded the organization's reach, including the national HelpLine's texting services, the publication of a nationally bestselling book, and the formation of the youth advisory group NAMI Next Gen. He led the creation of the CEO Alliance for Mental Health, which unites leaders across the mental health industry to address challenges facing vulnerable communities. Gillison has assembled coalitions with organizations such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Psychiatric Association, and Mental Health America to improve the mental health care system in the United States.

Gillison has participated in panels, keynote presentations, op-eds, and programs nationwide to raise awareness and educate the public about mental health issues. He has authored more than 20 blogs for the organization's website and serves as host of the "Hope Starts With Us" podcast, which addresses important mental health topics. He also serves on the National Institute of Health Advisory Mental Health Council, the Lululemon Global Wellbeing Advisory Board, and the National Health Council Board of Directors.

Gillison's work in mental health equity has been recognized across the nonprofit and advocacy sectors. He has been named a Change Agent in Lifestyle Magazine and a Leader in the NonProfit Times Power & Influence Top 50 List. His awards include the Hope in Action Award from Hope Center Harlem, the Honor of Distinction Award from the Bowman Foundation Annual Global Impact Awards, and the American Mental Health Counselors Association President's Award. Gillison was also named a recipient of the Not Alone Pioneer Award by the Inspiring Children Foundation, an honor recognizing leadership in mental health research, advocacy, and healing. He has spoken on panels about the future of mental health advocacy alongside other leaders in the field.