Atkinson Named President & CEO of People Encouraging People

Aaron Atkinson has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of People Encouraging People (PEP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering recovery, resiliency, and independence for individuals with mental health support needs living in Baltimore City and five surrounding counties.

Atkinson brings more than 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and a proven record of transformational leadership, fiscal stewardship, and mission-driven impact to his new position. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer of The Arc Western Montana, where he led strategic growth initiatives that improved and expanded services, strengthened financial sustainability, and advanced organizational culture.

“Aaron is an accomplished advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and behavioral health diagnoses,” says PEP Board Chair Chamberlain Diala. “His success at The Arc Western Montana, coupled with his extensive background in directing multi-site operations, eliminating multimillion-dollar deficits, and enhancing program quality and staff engagement, will be instrumental in positioning PEP as one of Maryland’s top employers and expanding our service offerings in the jurisdictions in which we operate.”

Founded in 1982, People Encouraging People provides an array of behavioral health and supportive services across Maryland, including psychiatric rehabilitation, outpatient mental health, substance use treatment, and housing support. Guided by the principles of recovery and resiliency, PEP partners with individuals and communities to promote hope, health, and opportunity.

“PEP has a long and powerful history of helping people thrive through comprehensive, strength-based mental health services,” says Atkinson. “I am honored to join this mission-driven team and look forward to building on PEP’s legacy of providing services and supporting people in their mental health and well-being journeys.”

Prior to The Arc Western Montana, Atkinson held executive leadership roles with Community Options, Inc. and The Arc Baltimore. He has also served on multiple state and national boards and committees, including the National Conference of Executives, the Montana Association of Community Disability Services, and the Governor-appointed Mental Disabilities Board of Visitors.

A graduate of several executive leadership programs, including Leadership Baltimore County, Leadership Missoula, and the Maryland Leadership Institute, Atkinson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Prescott College and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Maryland.