Project HEAL Unveils New Leadership and Program Expansion Plans Ahead of its 15th Anniversary Gala
Project HEAL to Join Forces with Emerging Nonprofit Body Reborn to Solidify Its Position as the Leading Organization Committed to Eating Disorder Healing in the U.S.
NEW YORK CITY, December 1, 2023 – Project HEAL, the leading nonprofit in the U.S. focused on equitable access to eating disorder care, announced today that the organization will welcome a new CEO in 2024 and expand its services to include the programming of Body Reborn, a nonprofit providing community-based mental healthcare for people of color with disordered eating, to further expand access to eating disorder healing.
The Board of Directors at Project HEAL take great pride in announcing that Akiera Gilbert, the founder of Body Reborn, will assume the role of Project HEAL's CEO effective January 1, 2024. Rebecca Eyre, an esteemed leader in the eating disorder community and the current CEO of Project HEAL, has played a pivotal role in the organization's substantial growth and impact since 2020. Over 96% of individuals served by Project HEAL throughout its 15-year history were supported during her four-year tenure, with thousands gaining access to over $12 million in eating disorder care and support. In 2023 alone, Project HEAL directly served 1,888 individuals, delivering free eating disorder treatment and support valued at over $5 million—5x the organization's operating budget. Rebecca will be returning to her roots as a private practice therapist and will stay on to support Project HEAL as Senior Advisor.
“We’re elated to welcome Akiera as our next leader as we continue to expand our mission to break down barriers to eating disorder healing for those the system is failing. Akiera brings great vision, passion, creativity, and drive - and we are excited to see all that we can accomplish together under her leadership!” said Dr. Erikka D. Taylor, Project HEAL Board Chair. “We are truly grateful for Rebecca’s commitment and dedication to serving the eating disorder community and for her steadfast leadership as Project HEAL’s CEO. The mission and vision of this organization has never been clearer, and we are confident that with her continued support through this transition, Project HEAL will continue to have a significant impact in transforming lives.”
The staff of Body Reborn will also join the Project HEAL team to continue operating Body Reborn’s flagship program, The Healing Collaborative, which provides intersectional community care to help people of color along their mental health journey by supporting them in self-designing a healing plan and building a community to support them along the way.
"Akiera Gilbert is an inimitable leader, who I knew from the first time we met would be a gamechanger for the eating disorder field,” said Rebecca Eyre, CEO of Project HEAL. “We are delighted to welcome Body Reborn into our program offerings, a strategic move to expand resources for those underserved by the existing eating disorder system. I’m confident that Akiera's leadership will take Project HEAL to new heights and transform the lives of more people than ever within the eating disorder community."
Body Reborn integrates seamlessly into Project HEAL’s expansive existing programs—such as its treatment access and insurance navigation programs—which increase access to quality, effective, and culturally-sensitive eating disorder support.
"I am inspired by Project HEAL's commitment to bridging the critical gap in access to affirming and affordable care for marginalized individuals with disordered eating. I founded Body Reborn with a parallel mission, specifically focusing on BIPOC communities, and I am enthusiastic about extending this shared dedication as I transition into this new role” said Akiera Gilbert, incoming CEO of Project HEAL.
Rebecca Eyre will introduce Akiera Gilbert as the next CEO on December 7 at City Winery in New York City at their upcoming gala where they are celebrating Project HEAL’s 15th anniversary.
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About Project HEAL
Founded in 2008, Project HEAL is a national nonprofit focused on creating equitable access to eating disorder care. Their mission is to break down systemic, healthcare, and financial barriers to eating disorder healing, and their vision is that everyone with an eating disorder has the resources and opportunities they need to heal. Through advocacy, research, cash assistance grants, free treatment placements, insurance navigation support, clinical assessments, and meal support, Project HEAL helps low-income, underinsured, and often marginalized individuals access life-saving treatment - at no cost to those they serve.
For press inquiries please contact:
Serena Nangia
(913) 982-6836
serena@theprojectheal.org
