Announcement: Dr. Matt Samocki Named NNDC Executive Director

The National Network of Depression Centers (NNDC) is pleased to announce Matt Samocki, Ed.D., as its new Executive Director. Although Dr. Samocki officially starts with NNDC on November 13, Matt accepted an invitation to attend the Annual Conference this month in Houston as part of his onboarding and experience the best showcase of what NNDC has to offer. It turned out to be a valuable investment!

Dr. Samocki recently served as the Executive Director for the Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership, Michigan, a non-profit collaborative designed to advance anti-stigma and community culture, expand workplace mental health programs, and enhance mental health provider access.  Matt’s skill set and experience building community collaborations focused on education and advocacy will position him well to carry the mission of the NNDC forward,” said Dr. Mark Frye, President, NNDC Board of Directors and Consultant, Department of Psychiatry & Psychology, Mayo Clinic. “He clearly has a passion for breaking stigma related to mental illness, with a focus on transforming lives through innovations in treatment.”

Dr. Samocki will be responsible for strategic leadership across an interdisciplinary coalition of top researchers, clinicians, educators, and administrators; and will provide program oversight for the Network.

Matt was formerly an administrator with the Science, Mathematics, and Technology Center at Central Michigan University. Prior to that, he served 13 years in public education as an educator and principal.

Matt earned a bachelor’s degree with a major in interdisciplinary social sciences and a minor in psychology, plus a master’s degree in curriculum and teaching from Michigan State University. He earned his doctoral degree in educational leadership from Central Michigan University and published his dissertation titled, The Effects of an Experimental SEL-Based Alternative to Out of School Suspension Program for Middle School Students.

“The Board wishes to thank Advisory Council Members Mike Flood and Rob Vallentine for serving as Interim Co-Executive Directors for the network during this time of leadership transition,” added Dr. Frye.