Dr. Kerry L. Shipman is the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Ship Group Behavioral Health & Community Services (TSGBH), providing visionary leadership at the intersection of behavioral health, justice-system navigation, and community-based stabilization. With a rare blend of clinical-systems leadership and legal expertise, Dr. Shipman has built TSGBH to deliver person-centered, outcomes-driven care designed to meet individuals where they are—especially those facing high barriers such as justice involvement, housing instability, complex trauma, and limited access to quality services. Under his leadership, TSGBH prioritizes evidence-based practice, culturally responsive care, and operational excellence, while building partnerships that strengthen community safety, family stability, and long-term recovery.
Dr. Shipman brings a multidisciplinary foundation to his work, holding a Juris Doctorate (J.D.), Master of Public Administration (MPA), and Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, with advanced training and experience across both the legal and public health systems. His research and professional focus center on successful reentry and the protective impact of family support, shaping TSGBH’s commitment to structured, measurable programming that supports real-world stability—not just symptom relief. Prior to TSGBH, Dr. Shipman served in justice-system and public service leadership roles, including work as a Mecklenburg County Magistrate Judge and within North Carolina DHHS, giving him firsthand insight into the system gaps that too often leave individuals without coordinated care. Today, he leads TSGBH with a clear standard: clinical integrity, compliance readiness, and community impact—ensuring services meet Medicaid and payer expectations while delivering respectful, empowering care that helps clients regain control of their lives.
Whole-person care that connects your physical health, emotional health, and support services in one coordinated team.
