Mental Health News Education (MHNE) recently held its 2025 Leadership Awards Reception, where Founder and former Executive Director Ira Minot, LMSW, was honored with the Founder’s Legacy Award for his more than 25 years of visionary leadership. Presenting the award was Ashley Brody, CEO of Search for Change, alongside Ira’s son David Minot, who now serves as MHNE’s Executive Director.
Ira Minot receiving the Founder’s Legacy Award at the MHNE 2025 Leadership Awards Reception with David Minot (left) and Ashley Brody (right)
In heartfelt farewell remarks, Ira reflected on his personal journey, including the decade he spent battling medication-resistant depression. “When I finally received the treatment that broke the chains of my depression, I set out to unite patients, families, treatment professionals, and service providers in one mental health education publication.”
Over the past quarter century, Behavioral Health News has become a trusted platform for collaboration, dialogue, and education throughout the behavioral health community. Ira credits the many dedicated leaders and advocates he met along the way for shaping his path from consumer and survivor to executive-level leadership.
As he prepares to retire at the end of 2025, Ira expressed excitement for what comes next. “I will be looking for my next new and exciting project to unite communities. There are countless untold stories—like mine—of survival in the face of hardship, and I want to help bring them into focus. I want to put what I’ve learned into helping to organize programs and strengthen organizations for the betterment of the entire community.”
He closed with gratitude to MHNE’s partners, supporters, and readers for standing alongside him for more than 25 years. “This has been the honor of my life,” he said. “Together, we built something that matters—and the work goes on. I am looking forward to being a consultant and mentor to others in need of help.”
To contact Ira, call (570) 269-3934 or email iraminot@gmail.com.
