Mowbray named founding director of UGA Ralston Institute on Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

Orion Mowbray, a noted behavioral health services researcher at the University of Georgia, has been named the inaugural executive director of the UGA David Ralston Institute for Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.

The Ralston Institute, named in honor of the late Georgia Speaker of the House who championed mental healthcare reform, was established in 2024 to generate and disseminate applied research and prepare future professionals for careers in the behavioral health and developmental disabilities fields.

The state-funded institute is housed in the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences and builds off the work of the college’s Institute on Human Development and Disability and its 50+ years of funding and programming focused on improving the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.

“I am delighted to work alongside Dr. Mowbray to bring the commitment and vision of David Ralston to life at the University of Georgia through the David Ralston Institute for Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities,” FACS Dean Anisa Zvonkovic said. “Dr. Mowbray brings a rare and distinguished combination of skills to the leadership of this institute that expands the long-standing and impactful Institute on Human Development and Disability with a focus on behavioral health. He has been a leader in bringing to light the connection between mental health, addictive disorders and challenges in communities. We are eager to work together to increase the behavioral health workforce in Georgia.”

Mowbray, a professor and associate dean for research in the UGA School of Social Work, will begin the new role on January 1, 2026.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as the executive director of the Ralston Institute for Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities,” Mowbray said. “It is an honor to join a team of exceptionally talented colleagues who are dedicated to strengthening the systems that support Georgians with behavioral health and developmental disability needs. The focus of the Ralston Institute aligns closely with the work I have been committed to throughout my career, including building partnerships across campus, collaborating with state and community stakeholders and advancing approaches that improve the quality and accessibility of services statewide. I am excited for the work ahead and humbled by the trust placed in me.”

Since arriving at UGA in 2013, Mowbray has led multimillion dollar grant initiatives, evaluated statewide programs and built interdisciplinary partnerships to improve access to care.

He has worked closely with government and nonprofit agencies to implement evidence-based, person-centered strategies focused on improving outcomes for people experiencing mental health challenges and those involved in the justice system.

“The opportunity to lead an institute that will serve as Georgia’s central hub for connecting research, policy, training and community engagement is both inspiring and important for our state’s future,” Mowbray said. “I am eager to work with colleagues across campus and throughout Georgia to strengthen the systems that support individuals, families and communities with behavioral health, developmental disability and justice system involvement needs.”

Millions of Georgians lack access to mental healthcare providers, particularly in rural areas.

In addition to training the next generation of providers, a key element of the institute is a clearinghouse that will provide state, regional and community policymakers with the data needed to make empirically-sound decisions.

Focused on the intersection of behavioral health and criminal justice, the clearinghouse works in collaboration with the Division of Justice and Behavioral Health Initiatives of the Council of State Governments.

Ashley d’Inverno, who most recently served as associate chief of science with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was hired as clearinghouse director in October.

“Georgia is at an important moment,” Mowbray said. “Across the state, we need strong supports, coordinated services and evidence-based solutions for individuals whose needs span multiple systems. The Ralston Institute plays a critical role in meeting this moment. This work is essential because how we respond to behavioral health and developmental disability needs will affect the daily lives of children in schools, adults seeking care, caregivers supporting loved ones and communities striving for safety, opportunity and well-being.”

Mowbray has four degrees from the University of Michigan: bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology, a master’s of social work in interpersonal practice and mental health and a Ph.D. in social work and psychology. He also received a master’s degree in sociology from Eastern Michigan University.

He has produced over 70 publications in peer-reviewed journals and serves as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work.

“The Ralston Institute exists to inspire hope and make people’s lives better, and I am so honored to help lead it,” Mowbray said.