Vibrant Emotional Health Appoints Brenda Tong as the New Chief Program Officer

NEW YORK, NY – July 24, 2024 — Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant), one of the nation’s leading mental health organizations, is pleased to announce the appointment of Brenda Tong as its Chief Program Officer (CPO). As the new CPO, Brenda Tong will report directly to Alison Lewis, Interim CEO of Vibrant Emotional Health, where she will provide leadership for Vibrant’s innovative and growing community wellness programs, crisis contact center, disaster services, and educational initiatives. 

Working closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, Tong will be crucial in ensuring that Vibrant is well-positioned to respond to new and strategic opportunities. Her expertise will be instrumental in helping individuals, families, and/or communities achieve emotional wellness through groundbreaking and high-quality services. 

“We are delighted to welcome Brenda to the Vibrant family as our new Chief Program Officer,” said Jennifer Ashley, Ph.D., Board Chair of Vibrant Emotional Health. “With an impressive track record in program development and a steadfast commitment to enhancing emotional wellness, Brenda is a valuable addition to the executive team.”

With over two decades of experience in social service and supportive housing programming, Tong brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as Chief Program Officer at Vibrant. Her previous positions included Deputy Executive Director of New Destiny Housing Corporation and Director of Community Programs for New York and New Jersey at Single Stop. She also served as Program Director at Lantern Community Services, overseeing a supportive housing program funded by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for formerly homeless families. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Brenda as our new Chief Program Officer. Her experience and innovative approach to program development will be a tremendous asset to the leadership team,” said Alison Lewis, Interim CEO of Vibrant Emotional Health. “We are confident that under her leadership, our programs will continue to grow and positively impact the lives of the individuals and communities we serve.” 

Brenda Tong also expressed her enthusiasm about joining Vibrant Emotional Health: “I am honored to join Vibrant as Chief Program Officer. I look forward to being a part of the exceptional team and continuing to deliver high-quality mental health services to meet the evolving needs of our communities.”

Tong’s educational background further enhances her qualifications. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Master of Social Work Administration from the City University of New York—Hunter College. 

To learn more about Vibrant Emotional Health and its programs, we encourage you to visit our website at vibrant.org.

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About Vibrant Emotional Health 

Vibrant Emotional Health is a non-profit organization that helps individuals and families achieve emotional well-being. For over 50 years, our groundbreaking solutions have delivered high-quality services and support when, where, and how people need it. We offer confidential emotional support through our state-of-the-art contact center and crisis hotline services that use leading-edge telephone, text, and web-based technologies, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Disaster Distress Helpline, Veterans Crisis Line, and NFL Life Line. Through our community wellness programs, individuals and families obtain the support and skills they need to thrive. Our advocacy and education initiatives promote mental well-being as a social responsibility. We help nearly 5 million people live healthier and more vibrant lives yearly. We’re advancing access, dignity, and respect for all and revolutionizing the system for good. Visit vibrant.org. Follow Vibrant on X, Facebook, and Instagram.