Burrell hires diversity director

Provided by Burrell Behavioral Health

Keke Rover joins the organization from Ambassadors for Children.

Burrell Behavioral Health hired a new system director of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Keke Rover started July 6, according to a news release. She succeeds Dr. Shelly Farnan, who continued to lead DEI when she became vice president of Burrell's Be Well self-care initiative in February, said spokesperson Matthew Lemmon.

“Our philosophy at Burrell is that all people deserve a fulfilling career path and access to competent care in a safe, informed and respectful environment,” Burrell President and CEO C.J. Davis said in the release. “We aim to improve the overall experience for everyone in our communities, with the hope of positively affecting change."

At Burrell, Rover is slated to complete an assessment of the behavioral health care organization's DEI status and then make recommendations for its strategic plan. She will work with employees, clients and the community to strengthen DEI at the organization.

“I am fully invested in this community,” Rover said in the release. “I know what’s it’s like to feel misunderstood and isolated because of someone else’s biases. I want to be a part of change and creating safe space for all. Burrell is committed to doing that work.”

Rover comes to Burrell from Ambassadors for Children, where she served for nearly four years as director. She also has experience at Preferred Family Healthcare, Isabel’s House and Boys and Girls Club of Springfield.