VILLANOVA, PA — Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, a leading nonprofit provider of behavioral healthcare in the nation, this week announced the election of Clarence D. “Clay” Armbrister as the chair of its National Board of Trustees. The decision was made at the organization’s November meeting.
A trustee since 2013, Armbrister previously served as the co-chair of the Board. His decade-long association with Devereux has provided the organization with invaluable expertise in education, finance, law, and government sectors.
Carl E. Clark II, Devereux President and CEO, praised Armbrister’s commitment to the organization and the families it serves, calling it “inspiring.” Clark expressed eagerness to work with Armbrister in his new role to continue advancing the organization’s mission and providing top-quality, compassionate care to those they support every day.
Devereux’s National Board of Trustees includes a minimum of five family members, which enriches the Devereux Family Standard. This principle ensures that Devereux’s programs and care systems match high-quality standards suitable for their own family members. Currently, six national Trustees are also Devereux family members.
Armbrister, whose son has been receiving services from Devereux since 1997, expressed his honor and humility at being entrusted to lead an organization that has been crucial to his family. He emphasized his reliance on fellow Trustees and Devereux’s management team for leadership and guidance in setting and executing the organization’s strategic vision, with a particular focus on upholding the Devereux Family Standard.
Armbrister takes over from Christopher D. Butler, who will now assume the role of co-chair. Clark expressed his gratitude for Butler’s leadership and service during his six-year tenure as chairman, noting his significant and positive impact across Devereux’s entire continuum of care.
Armbrister boasts a commendable career that spans over four decades in diverse sectors such as law, finance, government, and education. His professional journey began at the Philadelphia law firm of Saul, Ewing Remick & Saul in 1982, where he climbed the ranks to become a partner. In 1994, Armbrister transitioned into public service as Philadelphia city treasurer under Mayor Ed Rendell and later served as managing director for the Philadelphia School District.
In 1999, he returned to the private sector with PaineWebber (now UBS), where he ascended to the position of director in the Municipal Securities Group. His belief in the power of education led him to join Temple University in 2003, eventually becoming the executive vice president and chief operating officer. His tenure in educational leadership included roles at Johns Hopkins University and Girard College, and an adjunct faculty position at Temple University’s Beasley School of Law.
Armbrister served as the chief of staff for former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter from 2008 to 2011. His most recent role was as the 14th president of Johnson C. Smith University, a position he held from 2018 until his retirement in 2023.
Armbrister holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and economics from the University of Pennsylvania and a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. He has served on various boards, including Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc., Jefferson Health Plans, Inc., the National Adoption Center, and the Community College of Philadelphia. His membership in professional organizations includes the American Bar Association, National Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, National Association of Securities Professionals, and Government Finance Officers Association.
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