Mass. Mental Health Agency Head Stepping Down

BOSTON — The head of the state Department of Mental Health is stepping down.

Barbara Leadholm announced Thursday that she will be leaving the post on Jan. 31 to join the Boston office of Health Management Associates, Inc., a health care research and consulting firm.

Leadholm has served as commissioner of the department since 2007 and is credited with improving access to community-based mental health services in Massachusetts.

The agency serves more than 20,000 Massachusetts residents with severe or persistent mental illness.

Deputy Commissioner Marcia Fowler will serve as interim head of the department until a permanent replacement is found.