Dr. Kerry L. Shipman leads The Ship Group Behavioral Health & Community Services (TSGBH) with a rare fusion of legal expertise, academic scholarship, and clinical insight, forging a bold path at the intersection of mental health, substance use recovery, and community care. With a career spanning the courtroom, classroom, and community, Dr. Shipman embodies a holistic, justice-informed approach to behavioral health leadership.

Holding a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Liberty University, a Juris Doctorate from Charleston School of Law, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a Criminal Justice concentration from Shaw University, Dr. Shipman’s educational foundation is both expansive and deeply rooted in understanding systemic inequities. His Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CDAC) credential strengthens his ability to lead with clinical competence, advancing integrated care models that address both behavioral health and the underlying social determinants of health.

Dr. Shipman’s career has been defined by a commitment to bridging gaps—between legal systems and mental health services, between policy and practice, between academic theory and community impact. As a Magistrate Judge in North Carolina, he gained firsthand insight into the profound ways untreated mental health and substance use disorders intersect with the justice system. This experience fueled his resolve to move upstream, shifting from adjudication to prevention and treatment, championing services that heal rather than punish.

His leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion as Project Coordinator in the Office of the Secretary at the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services reflects his dedication to building systems that not only serve but uplift historically marginalized communities. By designing and implementing statewide initiatives to reduce health disparities, Dr. Shipman reinforced his belief that culturally responsive care must be central to behavioral health delivery.

A respected academic, Dr. Shipman has taught Criminal Justice and Political Science as an Adjunct Professor at Johnson C. Smith University and Voorhees University, mentoring future justice professionals while fostering experiential, socially conscious learning. His scholarly contributions, including publications such as “The Reasonable Black Person Standard in Criminal Law” and “Alternatives to Traditional Practice,” challenge conventional paradigms and elevate critical conversations about justice and equity.

Beyond his academic and legal achievements, Dr. Shipman’s founding of Resolute Charlotte Inc. exemplifies his commitment to action. Through transitional housing, advocacy, and reentry services, he has provided vital support to individuals navigating the complex journey from incarceration to stability.

Under Dr. Shipman’s visionary leadership, TSGBH continues to expand its reach, delivering trauma-informed, culturally competent, and community-centered behavioral health services. His ability to synthesize legal knowledge, policy acumen, clinical practice, and lived experience has positioned him as a transformative leader—one who builds bridges across sectors, creates innovative solutions, and remains steadfast in his mission to advance mental health equity and social justice.