February will bring big changes for the Dempsey Center, with the appointment of an interim CEO and president and the opening of its newest facility at Rock Row’s Health Campus in Westbrook.
Cara Valentino, who has led the organization for three years, is stepping down due to a family relocation. Brandon Hotham, who is chief experience officer, will be the interim president and CEO.
At Rock Row, the 7,000-square-foot Westbrook center will replace Dempsey’s office in South Portland, while the original Lewiston location and a hospitality home in Portland will continue to provide programming for cancer patients and their families. The center also offers virtual support.
The center’s Rock Row office will open to clients in mid-February, with the South Portland office scheduled to close Feb. 6.
The Dempsey Center was founded by actor Patrick Dempsey in 2008 after his mother’s experience with cancer, and offers free counseling, integrative therapies and nutrition and wellness programs.
Valentino had said last year when the center signed the Westbrook lease, “We are excited about co-locating our team in a place designed specifically for our needs. The new facility will allow us to continue our programs and introduce new opportunities for our clients to experience healing.”