Mary Ellen Benson (she/her) is the Chief Strategy Officer for ChangeLine. She has worked in health care settings, specializing in both the physical and behavioral health arenas, for over 25 years. 

After cutting her teeth as a physical therapist, she spent 16 years in the physical health care sector, including six years as the CEO for a local inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Colorado Springs. Prior to stepping into the role with CHP, Mary Ellen served for 12 years as the Vice President of Community Relations and Business Development at Diversus Health, dedicated to improving the lives of those experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.

During that time, she had longstanding engagement with CHP’s focus work, participating in the suicide prevention efforts in both El Paso and Teller counties and behavioral health systems alignment. She has also served as a six-year NAMI board member, is a long-time Home Front Military Network advisory board member, and currently serves on the board of Catholic Charities of Central Colorado.

A connector, community builder, collaborator, committed advocate and coach, Mary Ellen is passionate about decreasing stigma, advocating for health and wellness for all, and developing creative solutions to community pain points. By addressing the flawed systems that prevent people from thriving, Mary Ellen believes we will transform the health of our entire community.