Page 8 - Silver Linings Issue1

Appreciating the past
to build the future
Former President and Medical Director Dr. Richard Frances tells a story about his days at Silver Hill Hospital.
The crowd listens to Dr. Sigurd Ackerman speak during a luncheon to recognize Ackerman and Dr. Richard Frances as Presidents Emeriti.
Chief Advancement Officer Tim Dougherty, Dr. Rocco Marotta and Dr. Richard Frances share a moment before the luncheon.
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Former presidents Richard Frances and Sigurd Ackerman return to Silver Hill in advisory roles.
It would be an understatement to say Silver Hill Hospital President and Medical Director Andrew J. Gerber, MD, PhD, is thrilled to have two past presidents to call on for advice.
Dr. Richard Frances and Dr.
Sigurd Ackerman, whom Gerber calls “giants in the field,” have each accepted the honorary title of Senior Advisor to the President. In addition, the Silver Hill Board of Directors unanimously voted to name Frances and Ackerman as Presidents Emeriti. The past presidents returned to the Silver Hill campus earlier this year to attend a luncheon in
their honor.
Frances served as Medical Director from 1997 to 2003 and Ackerman served from 2003 to 2017.
“These are two highly
esteemed leaders in the
field of psychiatry and
they led the hospital
through some crucial
times in our history,”
Gerber says. “Rich had a profound impact on our standing, particularly with addiction, which is his area
of expertise. Sig led the hospital through some enormous changes, particularly with our Transitional Living Programs and the renovation
of most of the campus. He’s a beloved figure who helped define what the hospital is about.
“For me to have the opportunity to turn to both of them for advice and counsel is just incredibly valuable for me,” he adds. “I’m here for the long haul and they represent a bridge
to the past to add that stability.”
The luncheon gave Frances and Ackerman the opportunity to reflect on their time at Silver Hill. Ackerman thanked the Board of Directors for granting him the freedom to make
“When I accepted the position both of them reached out to me and I can’t tell you how gratifying it was to have that kind of warmth and generosity. They have been incredible support for me.”
Dr. Andrew Gerber, President and Medical Director, Silver Hill Hospital
changes — in programming and the remodeling of buildings — that he deemed necessary to elevate Silver Hill.
“Silver Hill has meant a great deal to me,” Ackerman reminisced.
A History of Our Medical Directors
Dr. John Millet (Founder) 1931-1937
Dr. William Terhune Dr. Charles Pilgrim Neumann Dr. Robert Stubblefield
1937-1964 1965-1974 1974-1981