Mental Wellness Center Names Liat Wasserman CEO
The board selected Wasserman to succeed Annmarie Cameron, who has led the Santa Barbara nonprofit since 1992 and is preparing to retire.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in People
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The Mental Wellness Center's board of directors has selected Liat Wasserman as chief executive officer. Wasserman, who joined the Center in 2022 as director of development & communications, succeeds Annmarie Cameron, who has led the organization since 1992.
Why it matters
The Center provides free mental health services and reaches more than 8,000 individuals and family members annually, so leadership continuity affects a large share of Santa Barbara residents who rely on its programs. The transition comes as the organization approaches its 80th anniversary in 2027.
Annual philanthropic support has grown more than 300% during Wasserman's tenure in development, compared with the Center's earlier funding base. The Center reaches more than 8,000 individuals and family members annually across its services, housing and education programs, though the announcement does not detail the exact funding totals.
The players
Mental Wellness Center
A Santa Barbara nonprofit founded in 1947 that provides free mental health services, education, housing and community programs to individuals and families.
Liat Wasserman
A nonprofit development and communications leader who joined the Mental Wellness Center in 2022 and previously served as its chief development & communications officer.
Annmarie Cameron
The longtime leader who has directed the Mental Wellness Center since 1992 and is preparing to retire after building out its programs and housing.
The details
Wasserman most recently served as chief development & communications officer and has strengthened relationships with donors, foundations, and community partners. The board conducted a thorough search that met with a field of candidates before making its selection. The Center was founded as the Santa Barbara Chapter of the Southern California Mental Hygiene Society and now operates seven housing sites and a Fellowship Club that welcomes more than 20,800 visits annually.
Timeline
1947 – Mental Wellness Center is founded as the Santa Barbara Chapter of the Southern California Mental Hygiene Society.
1992 – Annmarie Cameron begins leading the Center as CEO.
2022 – Liat Wasserman joins the Center as director of development & communications.
Nov. 9, 2026 – The board announces Wasserman as the new CEO.
2027 – The Center marks its 80th anniversary with two signature events, including the Peace of Mind Walk in May.
Leadership Lineage
The Center traces its roots to the 1947 Santa Barbara Chapter of the Southern California Mental Hygiene Society, and this succession marks another step in an organization that has grown from three core programs and a 12-person residential capacity under Cameron. Wasserman's background in development places the transition within a growth trajectory that has expanded funding and housing over three decades.
Residents who use the Center's free counseling, education or housing services should see continuity as Cameron and Wasserman work closely through the transition. The Fellowship Club on Garden Street, which welcomes more than 20,800 visits a year, remains open to members during the handoff.
The takeaway
Nonprofit leadership transitions can strengthen fundraising and community ties when outgoing and incoming leaders collaborate closely. Residents who rely on local mental health services can keep an eye on the Center's upcoming anniversary programming for ways to get involved.
What happens next
The Center will celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2027 with two signature events, including the Peace of Mind Walk during Mental Health Awareness Month in May 2027.
Further reading
Explore more business people profiles to see how nonprofit and corporate leaders are shaping their organizations.
More information
Learn more about services and programs on the Mental Wellness Center official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Santa Barbara News-Press.
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