Steven Perdek, MBA, LMHC-D
Chief of Staff
New York Mental Health Counselors Association
Newly created senior staff position adds capacity to support the association’s continued growth, advocacy, and service to members
ALBANY, NY — July 27, 2026 — The New York Mental Health Counselors Association (NYMHCA) today announced the unanimous decision to appoint Steven Perdek, MBA, LMHC-D as Chief of Staff, a newly created senior staff position supporting both NYMHCA and The NYMHCA Institute. The appointment reflects the association’s continued growth and its expanding commitment to New York’s mental health counseling profession.
In the Chief of Staff role, Perdek will help advance the organizations’ strategic priorities, support the association’s legislative and advocacy agenda, lead technology and systems initiatives, and contribute to the continued growth of The NYMHCA Institute’s professional education programming. Perdek has been an active leader within NYMHCA and brings extensive experience across mental health practice, professional advocacy, and association leadership to the role.
The new position reflects NYMHCA’s investment in its future. As the association’s programming, membership services, and advocacy work have expanded, the Chief of Staff role adds dedicated senior capacity to sustain that momentum and to support the organization’s leadership and members over the long term. Steven will also continue to serve as Past President on the board of directors until his term ends in 2028. Steven’s appointment is effective immediately.
“I’m happy that Steven will continue his leadership role and will emphasize his technical skills and creative thinking. I look forward to continuing our work together,” said Judy Ritterman, LMHC, LMFT, Executive Director, NYMHCA.
“Steven has brought extraordinary energy and expertise to his work with NYMHCA and The NYMHCA Institute and we are so pleased he will take on this new role,”said Dr. Tom Murphy, LMHC-D, President, NYMHCA
About Steven Perdek. Steven Perdek, MBA, LMHC-D has a background in clinical practice, professional advocacy, and association leadership. He holds a master’s degree in mental health counseling from the State University of New York at Oswego and a Master of Business Administration, with a concentration in healthcare leadership, from Le Moyne College. His work has focused on expanding access to care, strengthening the clinical workforce, and supporting policies that benefit the mental health counseling profession. Steven previously served as board president of NYMHCA, a period during which the association expanded its legislative and advocacy work, including efforts to expand diagnostic privileges and recognition for LMHCs and reduce barriers to practice and care. Steven also previously served as adjunct faculty at The College of Saint Rose’s clinical mental health counseling program, prior to its closure in 2024, and often speaks at professional conferences on topics related to clinical practice and association leadership
