CEO of LSF Health Systems to lead influential group of Northeast Florida health and community leaders, with a focus on expanding student pipelines into internships, jobs and mentorship
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. The University of North Florida’s Brooks College of Health (BCH) has appointed Christine Cauffield, Psy.D., president and CEO of Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) Health Systems, as chair of its Dean’s Council, a coalition of community and industry leaders dedicated to advancing the college’s mission and expanding opportunities for students across Northeast Florida.
The Dean’s Council brings together decision-makers from the region’s leading health and human-service organizations to guide BCH’s strategic priorities, strengthen community partnerships and open doors for students entering the healthcare workforce.
A Focus on Students
As chair, Cauffield says her priority is turning Council relationships into direct opportunities for BCH students: practicum placements, internship sites, job pipelines for graduates and mentorship connections with Council member organizations.
“It is truly an honor to be appointed chair of this amazing group of dedicated Council members,” Cauffield said. “My focus will be on incorporating students into our Council organizations through practicum and internship sites, a job pipeline for graduates, mentorship and other opportunities that enhance student experiences with these outstanding organizations.”
A Career Rooted in Integrated, Whole-Person Care
Cauffield’s appointment draws on more than three decades of leadership in behavioral health. She has long advocated for breaking down the divide between behavioral and physical healthcare, a divide she says the field has moved decisively past.
“I’ve always been passionate about serving those who live with mental health and substance use disorders,” Cauffield said. “For too long, behavioral health has been siloed from physical healthcare. Thankfully, integrated care is now the best practice for treating the whole person, including behavioral health needs. The pandemic’s silver lining has raised awareness of the importance of mental health access and care, and as a result, the Florida Legislature has provided additional funding for behavioral health services. I stay motivated by implementing new and innovative treatment programs for Floridians and their families.”
About Christine Cauffield, Psy.D.
Chair, Brooks College of Health Dean’s Council President and CEO, Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) Health Systems
Cauffield has served as president and CEO of organizations providing integrated health services for patients from childhood through their senior years, including a corporation delivering inpatient, acute psychiatric care to seniors in crisis. She earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from the Florida Institute of Technology and completed her internship and postdoctoral residency at Harvard Medical School, where she specialized in geriatric neuropsychology.
She currently leads LSF Health Systems as CEO, a managing entity comprised of 93 behavioral healthcare organizations spanning a 23-county region in North Central and Northeast Florida. The network serves more than 1.2 million clients annually on a $300 million budget.
Leadership and public service
- Past Chair, Florida Council on Aging
- Past Chair, Florida Association of Managing Entities
- Executive Board member, Smart Justice Florida
- Appointee, Florida Department of Elder Affairs State Plan Advisory Group
- S. representative to EUCOMS, a coalition of 36 European countries advancing community-based behavioral healthcare
- Former appointee, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy National Advisory Panel, tasked with developing evidence-based recommendations for the prevention, treatment and recovery of substance use disorder
Cauffield’s clinical expertise spans substance abuse, trauma recovery, grief and loss, integrated health and brain disease and disorders. A Leadership Florida alumna, she has authored book chapters and articles on senior behavioral health and is a frequent speaker at state, national and international conferences. Her work has been featured on CNN Nightly News, ABC Prime Time and The Associated Press, among other national and international media outlets.
Known for a track record of organizational turnarounds, Cauffield has developed national best-practice models spanning in-home care, outpatient services, inpatient care and acute hospital-based units, successfully integrating healthcare delivery across both urban and rural communities. She works closely with local, state and national policymakers to advance health policy and funding initiatives, and is active in philanthropic fundraising and community engagement.
Life in Jacksonville
Outside of her professional work, Cauffield enjoys taking advantage of Northeast Florida’s rivers and beaches through boating, alongside travel, public speaking, writing and reading.
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About the UNF Brooks College of Health
The Brooks College of Health (BCH) at the University of North Florida prepares the region’s next generation of health care professionals through hands-on learning, community partnership and innovative research. Learn more at unf.edu/brooks.
About University of North Florida
The University of North Florida is a nationally ranked university located on a beautiful 1,381-acre campus in Jacksonville surrounded by nature. Serving more than 17,600 students, UNF features six colleges of distinction with innovative programs in high-demand fields. UNF students receive individualized attention from faculty and gain valuable real-world experience engaging with community partners. A top public university, UNF prepares students to make a difference in Florida and around the globe. Learn more at www.unf.edu.
About LSF
LSF is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to helping the most vulnerable Floridians. We do this by reducing the suicide and drug addiction rate, giving families in crisis the support they need to persevere, and making sure those in poverty get the education they need to close the achievement gap. We have three lines of service, Head Start, Family Focus and Health Systems.
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Media Contact: Miranda O’Brien, UNF Brooks College of Health / Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications | (904) 344-3134 | [email protected]
