Nicole Connell, M.Ed.
Special Advisor to the Commissioner
DBHIDS

Nicole Connell is Special Advisor to the Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS). She oversees activities that support the Commissioner in ongoing system transformation efforts to advance behavioral health and intellectual disability services in the City of Philadelphia.

Connell has extensive experience working in various public social services systems and nonprofit community-based organizations. Joining DBHIDS as a member of the Planning and Innovation Division, she provided guidance, coordination, and leadership on many of the department’s innovative initiatives and partnerships. She also implemented procedures and best practices which significantly enhanced the efficiency and capacity of DBHIDS Community-Based Services.

Prior to joining DBHIDS, Connell worked for several years in management at the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) overseeing programs designed to improve the quality of life for more than 80,000 PHA residents. Early in her career, Connell worked as a grant administrator, teacher, school-based counselor, case manager, and behavioral health worker. Her experience across the public service continuum in Philadelphia contributes to her population health orientation and her in-depth knowledge of complex community challenges.

As a city native, Connell is extremely passionate and connected to efforts aimed at improving the quality of life for the people of Philadelphia, specifically those with the greatest needs. She is a graduate of Temple University’s College of Education, Eastern University, and is currently a doctoral candidate of Public Administration. Connell remains active in both civic and service organizations and serves in positions of leadership on nonprofit boards/advisory committees.