Youth Home, Inc. and BHSA | Board of Directors

The Youth Home Board of Directors is proud to announce the appointment of Peggy Kelly as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer

Following a unanimous vote by the Board, this decision reflects the organization’s confidence in Kelly’s exceptional leadership and positions Youth Home for a strong start as it prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary next year.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Youth Home Board of Directors is proud to announce the appointment of Peggy Larkin Kelly, LPC-S, as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Following a unanimous vote by the Board, this decision reflects the organization’s confidence in Kelly’s exceptional leadership and positions Youth Home for a strong start as it prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary next year.

Peggy Kelly brings more than 30 years of experience in the fields of mental health and substance abuse, with a career spanning clinical leadership, corporate behavioral health services, and strategic innovation. She joined Youth Home in 2014 as Chief Clinical Officer, overseeing clinical services for residential treatment, outpatient programs, school-based services, and QRTP (Qualified Residential Treatment Program) initiatives. Earlier this year, she stepped into the Interim CEO role, where she further demonstrated her vision for advancing Youth Home’s mission.

Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and Finance from the University of Arkansas and a Master of Science in Behavioral Studies from the University of South Alabama. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor (LPC-S) in Arkansas and Georgia. Her career has taken her across multiple states, including Alabama, Michigan, and Georgia, where she gained experience addressing workplace behavioral health, substance abuse policies, and employee assistance programs for Fortune 500 companies.

- Peggy Kelly

CEO, Youth Home and BHSA

It is an honor to be entrusted with leading Youth Home at such a pivotal moment in our history. As we approach our 60th year, I am inspired by the incredible legacy of this organization and am committed to building on that foundation. Together with our dedicated team, we will continue to provide hope and healing to children and families, while striving for innovation and excellence in everything we do.

Prior to joining Youth Home, Kelly served as Director of Clinical Services for Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS) in Atlanta for five years, where she led critical mental health initiatives. Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in diversifying payer mixes, implementing trauma-informed care models, and driving program innovation. At Youth Home, she spearheaded the adoption of the Risking Connections trauma-informed care model and initiated cultural shifts that continue to enhance the quality of care for clients.

Karen Yezzi, President of the Youth Home Board of Directors, expressed her enthusiasm for the appointment. "Peggy has proven herself to be an exceptional leader during her time as Interim CEO. Her dedication, expertise, and passion for advancing mental health care have already made a significant impact. We are thrilled to have her officially lead Youth Home as we approach our 60th year. This is the perfect way to start such an important milestone for the organization," said Yezzi.

In accepting the position, Kelly shared her excitement and vision for Youth Home’s future: "It is an honor to be entrusted with leading Youth Home at such a pivotal moment in our history. As we approach our 60th year, I am inspired by the incredible legacy of this organization and am committed to building on that foundation. Together with our dedicated team, we will continue to provide hope and healing to children and families, while striving for innovation and excellence in everything we do."

Under Kelly’s leadership, Youth Home will continue to expand its impact through strategic partnerships, quality care outcomes, and new programming tailored to the behavioral health needs of Arkansans and military families. With a strong focus on innovation and community collaboration, her appointment empowers Youth Home to honor its 60-year legacy while driving meaningful change for the future.

Stay tuned for updates on Youth Home’s plans to celebrate its 60th anniversary and its continued mission to bring hope and healing to youth and families across Arkansas.