Looking for a job

Kelly Bowman

@kellybowman

Message

I lead nationwide crisis-system strategy, funding narratives, and equitable 988 network growth.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead mission-driven mental health or crisis-system strategy, scale equitable services across diverse communities, develop leaders, and use data and funding narratives to strengthen long-term impact.

At Vibrant Emotional Health, I led nationwide Network Engagement, Wellness, and Crisis Continuum strategy for the SAMHSA-funded 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, supporting a network across every U.S. state and territory. I built and led a 17-person team, including four Directors and two Senior Managers.

I helped secure continued federal investment by building the data narrative for Vibrant's successful 988 Network Administrator grant rebid, and I used performance data to target outreach and resourcing. I also represented Vibrant and the 988 network at NATCON and the American Association of Suicidology.

Previously, I directed Colorado's 988 and crisis-line contracts, helped build the Colorado Crisis System across 19 counties, and expanded consistent crisis-service quality in rural and frontier communities. My work brings together grant stewardship, stakeholder engagement, team development, and equity-centered crisis-system design.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Assistant Vice President, 988 Network Engagement

Vibrant Emotional Health

Feb 2025 - Jun 2026 (1 year 4 months)

Set strategy and owned nationwide oversight of Network Engagement, Wellness, and Crisis Continuum functions for the SAMHSA-funded administrator of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Built and led a team of 17, including 4 Directors and 2 Senior Managers, and contributed to the successful rebid of the SAMHSA 988 Network Administrator grant.

Strategic Planning Team Leadership Grant Management Data Storytelling Crisis Systems Public Speaking Stakeholder Engagement Network Management

988 Enterprise & Crisis Hotline Program Manager

Colorado Behavioral Health Administration

Jan 2022 - Feb 2025 (3 years 1 month)

Directed statewide oversight of the Colorado Crisis Line and 988 contracts, serving as subject matter expert and executive-level point of contact for crisis response services. Developed training and technical assistance strategy for behavioral health contractors and providers, with focus on rural and frontier communities.

Program Management Contractual Oversight Grant Compliance Training And Technical Assistance Stakeholder Engagement Data Analysis Crisis Response

Director of Crisis Services, Wellness & System Integration

Health Colorado

Jul 2019 - Jan 2022 (2 years 6 months)

Led the creation and implementation of the Colorado Crisis System across 19 counties, overseeing system-wide improvements, resource distribution, and compliance. Directed Regional Accountable Entity and Administrative Service Organization projects, streamlining decision-support reporting.

Crisis System Development Program Management Compliance Team Mentoring Policy Reviews Stakeholder Collaboration

Crisis Intake Assessment Coordinator

AspenPointe

Jun 2015 - Jul 2019 (4 years 1 month)

Served in a front-line crisis intake role, conducting assessments and coordinating crisis services. Contributed to process improvement and compliance initiatives.

Crisis Assessment Intake Coordination Compliance

Regional Crisis System Coordinator

AspenPointe

Jun 2015 - Jul 2019 (4 years 1 month)

Advanced from a front-line crisis intake role into systems-level program leadership. Designed a new crisis service engagement process that increased utilization, and led contract negotiations, process improvement, and compliance initiatives.

Crisis Intake Program Design Contract Negotiation Process Improvement Compliance Needs Assessment Training