Art Ciasca
Interview with Art Ciasca
Michael Harcek
Florida Atlantic University
Dr. Castro
Leadership and Organizations
MAN 6296
October 19, 2014
Introduction
Art Ciasca is the CEO of Suncoast Mental Health (SMH). Mr. Ciasca is a dynamic and respected leader in the field of mental health. Art’s contributions to the community have been nothing short of extraordinary. He has served on a number of advisory boards, and has been instrumental in the success of several community-based social programs. Prior to Mr. Ciasca’s position at SMH he served as Director of Development for SafeSpace, a non-profit domestic violence and abuse organization. His impact on domestic violence prevention and awareness has been remarkable. It was truly a pleasure and an honor to interview Mr. Ciasca.
Mr. Ciasca has a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Health Services Administration. He began his career as a teacher and coach in Ohio. He then moved to Florida and accepted a position in the recreation department for the city of Oak Park. In 1986, the Indian River Community Mental Health (which eventually became New Horizons) hired Mr. Ciasca to run a program for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. After working his way up to management, his career path then led him to the aforementioned SafeSpace position. Mr. Ciasca’s position at SMH entails directing the operations of 65 employees in four counties. This paper will begin with a transcription of the interview, then comparisons will be made to the various leader styles and approaches covered from MAN 6296, and conclude with an analysis of Mr. Ciasca’s leadership philosophies, his approach to leadership, and as his skills as they relate to accomplishing the organization’s mission.
Analysis
Trait/Process Leadership
After carefully analyzing Mr. Ciasca’s leadership styles and philosophies, placing him in any particular category of trait or process theory is unfeasible. While many researchers believe the
Michael Harcek
Florida Atlantic University
Dr. Castro
Leadership and Organizations
MAN 6296
October 19, 2014
Introduction
Art Ciasca is the CEO of Suncoast Mental Health (SMH). Mr. Ciasca is a dynamic and respected leader in the field of mental health. Art’s contributions to the community have been nothing short of extraordinary. He has served on a number of advisory boards, and has been instrumental in the success of several community-based social programs. Prior to Mr. Ciasca’s position at SMH he served as Director of Development for SafeSpace, a non-profit domestic violence and abuse organization. His impact on domestic violence prevention and awareness has been remarkable. It was truly a pleasure and an honor to interview Mr. Ciasca.
Mr. Ciasca has a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Health Services Administration. He began his career as a teacher and coach in Ohio. He then moved to Florida and accepted a position in the recreation department for the city of Oak Park. In 1986, the Indian River Community Mental Health (which eventually became New Horizons) hired Mr. Ciasca to run a program for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. After working his way up to management, his career path then led him to the aforementioned SafeSpace position. Mr. Ciasca’s position at SMH entails directing the operations of 65 employees in four counties. This paper will begin with a transcription of the interview, then comparisons will be made to the various leader styles and approaches covered from MAN 6296, and conclude with an analysis of Mr. Ciasca’s leadership philosophies, his approach to leadership, and as his skills as they relate to accomplishing the organization’s mission.
Analysis
Trait/Process Leadership
After carefully analyzing Mr. Ciasca’s leadership styles and philosophies, placing him in any particular category of trait or process theory is unfeasible. While many researchers believe the