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The Mental Health Association in Indian River County is proud to announce the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Nicholas Coppola will begin his new chapter at the MHA on January 1st, 2019.
The selection of Dr. Coppola comes after a two-month national search, but in the end, it was an easy choice for the MHA Board of Directors. Not only has Dr. Coppola been a local physician for over 20 years, but he also highly educated and holds an MBA in Finance. His training, education and personal experiences will aid him as he assumes the responsibilities of Dr. Robert Brugnoli. “Dr. Brugnoli has made significant strides in advancing the cause of the Mental Health Association and leaves some large shoes to fill, I look forward to continuing his legacy and to increasing awareness of MHA mission,” Coppola said.
“I am thrilled to have Dr. Nick Coppola succeed me as Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Association in Indian River County,” said Dr. Robert Brugnoli, current CEO of the MHA. “I am extremely confident in his ability to take the MHA to the next level as a comprehensive mental health agency”.
Dr. Coppola is the Chairman of the LiveLikeCole Foundation which he created in memory of his late son Nicholas “Cole” Coppola, to improve the lives of Indian River County residents by addressing issues that challenge the health and well-being of our community.
A successful medical career and a lifelong passion for helping people inspired Dr. Coppola to direct his Foundation’s primary investments toward community relations, education, improving mental and physical health as well as the well-being of adults and children alike. With Dr. Coppola’s leadership, his Foundation has played a key role in strengthening community relations and helping the less fortunate. Coppola's goal to improve the quality of life for all Indian River County residents by addressing issues that challenge the health and well-being of the community runs parallel to the MHA’s philosophy. As Dr. Coppola begins his new role, he will step down as chairman of his own Foundation so that his attention can be focused on MHA’s future
Before focusing his attention on philanthropy, Dr. Coppola served as CEO of Compassionate Medical Center, Inc. where, for 15 years, he ran one of Indian River's largest primary care medical practices. As a physician, Dr. Coppola has 23 years of direct experience working with those with physical, emotional, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. His broad range of experience includes senior management, fundraising, event coordination, board development, government
relations, program development, and marketing. He is also a successful investor and businessperson.
A recognized leader in the medical industry, Dr. Coppola earned a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Nova University and a Master’s degree in Finance and Economics from Nova Southeastern University Graduate School of Business. He obtained his degree in Osteopathic Medicine from Nova Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine and has been a practicing physician for over 23 years. His accomplishments are significant and varied:
Received numerous awards for community service.
Served as Director of the Board for several local foundations and corporations.
Appointed to various committees and commissions by local community leaders.
Served as Medical Director for Florida Community Health Center.
Served several industry and community organizations.
Currently provides consultation on medical practice management in the local community.
Currently serves as a speaker on grief and the loss of a child.
Given his own family’s tragedy in 2014, Dr. Coppola is keenly aware of the emotional challenges that trauma and loss can cause. As a result, he understands, first hand, the importance of good mental health and is committed to ensuring that Indian River County residents are aware of the scope of services that MHA offers and have access to necessary resources.
His first order of business is to find a way to reach out to First Responders, as they played a pivotal role in his family’s tragic experience. “The kindness they showed to my family on the day of my son’s death was above the call of duty”, Coppola said. “We love them all and I pledge to do all that I can to help those who deal with tragic situations on a daily basis.”