FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Christina Pearl
cpearl@horizon-health.org
716-445-3888
Horizon Corporations announces retirement of Erin DiGirolamo
CEO Erin DiGirolamo will retire in July 2026. Brandy Vandermark-Murray to succeed as CEO & President.
Buffalo, NY (February 5th, 2026) – Horizon Corporations announced the upcoming retirement of Chief Executive Officer, Erin DiGirolamo, in July 2026, marking the close of a remarkable two-decade chapter of leadership, innovation, and transformation within the organization. After 17 years with Ernst & Young’s Healthcare Consulting Practice, Erin joined Horizon in 2006 as Chief Financial Officer. Her strategic insight and talent for identifying opportunities and no-nonsense solutions have greatly enhanced the organization, which propelled her into the position of Chief Operating Officer and, ultimately, Chief Executive Officer. For the last four years, Erin has crafted her succession plan with the board and executive team to meet her personal goals and the company’s needs. As such, her successor, Brandy Vandermark-Murray, has been working alongside her as President for the last three years.
Throughout her tenure, Erin has been instrumental in optimizing operational efficiencies, strengthening Horizon’s financial stability, and guiding the organization’s strategic development. She is known for her warm, hands-on management style and culture building. She has led transformative operational initiatives across all service lines, and her passion and creativity was especially evident in her close collaboration with Horizon’s marketing team.
During her tenure, Erin has been a strong voice on numerous county and statewide committees, driving major statewide healthcare reform. She serves on several boards and looks forward to continued service to the community.
“Serving as a leader of this remarkable organization for the last 20 years has been a privilege I never dared dream,” said Erin DiGirolamo. “I fell in love with the mission and people in my first week, which only deepened with time. Horizon is a place that brings out the best in you, as a patient or as staff. I have watched ordinary people accomplish extraordinary feats. Following 36 years of living an executive life, I look forward to discovering ‘Erin 2.0’ as a proud Horizon alum and biggest fan! I leave with great peace after planning this transition for many years, knowing with certainty that under this executive team and Brandy’s leadership, the legacy of excellence will carry on!”
Erin’s contributions throughout her career have impacted countless patients and community members locally, statewide, and on a national level. With Erin’s retirement, Brandy Vandermark-Murray will serve as Horizon’s Chief Executive Officer and President. Brandy currently serves as President and previously held the role of Senior Vice President of Operations, overseeing behavioral health programs across the organization. Brandy brings 20 years of clinical experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). Throughout her decade of leadership at Horizon, she has played a pivotal role in expanding mental health and substance use services across Western New York and beyond.
“Stepping into the role of CEO and President at Horizon fills me with both humility and deep gratitude,” said Brandy Vandermark-Murray. “This organization has touched countless lives and it’s an honor to help carry that legacy forward. I am profoundly thankful for our remarkable team, the previous leaders who built the strong foundation we stand on, and the board and community partners who help make our mission come alive every single day. My commitment is to lead with heart, integrity, and a steadfast belief in the power of healing as we continue working together to provide exceptional behavioral health services to our community.”
Horizon’s Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team have been actively developing the succession plan for many years and are excited about the future leadership team for Horizon.
“It is with mixed emotions that we announce the change in leadership at Horizon. Erin has been in leadership positions at Horizon for 20 years, during which the organization has grown from 200 to 900 employees, and from $14M to $90M in revenue. There is no question that Erin’s strategic vision, and exceptional, supportive leadership has made that growth possible,” said Nora McGuire, Chair of Horizon’s Board of Directors. “We are thrilled that Brandy will assume the CEO and President role upon Erin’s retirement. For a decade, Brandy has played an integral role on our leadership team – first guiding our clinical team and, more recently, serving as President in partnership with Erin and our leadership team. On behalf of the Board of Directors for Horizon, we thank Erin for gracing us with her talents and leadership and wish her happy days ahead. We are confident that Horizon will continue to grow and flourish, providing much needed care for our community under Brandy’s leadership.”
About Horizon
The Horizon Corporations, which includes Horizon Health Services, Horizon Village, and Horizon Health Alliance, is one of WNY’s largest not-for-profits. Horizon is a fully comprehensive behavioral health treatment provider operating two campuses with inpatient beds for addiction treatment and outpatient counseling and psychiatry practices throughout Erie, Niagara, and Genesee Counties. Horizon provides treatment, recovery and support services for children, adolescents, adults and families affected by mental health and substance use disorders.