SAN JOSE, CA – May 16, 2025 – Momentum for Health (Momentum), one of Santa Clara County’s largest providers of behavioral health services, is proud to welcome Michael B. Scates as its new President and CEO.
Momentum has a long history of serving the community’s evolving behavioral health needs. Three local agencies originally founded the organization in 1953 and it now offers a holistic continuum of care that includes residential and outpatient programs as well as crisis stabilization, employment services, independent and supportive housing, a mobile response team, and more.
“I’m honored to join Momentum as President and CEO at such a pivotal time for our community,” said Michael. “The organization’s legacy of service, innovation, and compassion is deeply inspiring, and I’m excited to build upon that foundation with a vision rooted in purpose and possibility. I look forward to listening, learning, and partnering with our dedicated team, clients, and stakeholders. Together, we will continue to strengthen access, elevate voices, and champion equity across Santa Clara County.”
An Oakland native, Michael brings more than two decades of progressive, strategic, and operational leadership roles in high-performing organizations including Kaiser Permanente Sacramento, The Institute on Aging, Orthopedic & Neurological Rehabilitation, Inc., and North Coast Rehab.
He holds a Master of Business Administration, Health Care Management, Southern New Hampshire University; Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of California, San Francisco; Master of Science, Physical Therapy, University of California, San Francisco; and Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles.
“Michael has that rare blend of empathy and business acumen,” said Kathryn Williams, Momentum’s Board Chair. “The Board of Directors was impressed by his natural talent for strategic thinking and communication. As we look to the future, Michael’s commitment to collaboration and excellence will help us seize new opportunities, embrace change, and shape our organizational culture and service delivery for the next chapter.”
Momentum’s outgoing President and CEO, David K. Mineta, announced his plans to move on from his role this summer after ten years of service to the agency. Soon after the announcement last fall, Momentum’s Board of Directors engaged a professional search firm to identify and hire David’s successor.
“I am thrilled to welcome Michael to Momentum and the community,” said David. “I care deeply about this agency, and I believe that Momentum’s best days are still ahead of us with Michael at the helm. We are so fortunate that he chose to contribute his considerable experience and talents to this organization. In getting to know Michael, it was immediately clear to me that his values aligned perfectly with Momentum’s commitment to and focus on our clients–those we exist to serve; those we partner with at every step of their recovery and beyond.”
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About Momentum for Health
Momentum for Health is one of Santa Clara County’s largest providers of behavioral health care. The agency serves more than 4,500 individuals each year, 85% of whom are Medi-Cal recipients. Through a wide range of programs across more than 15 locations, Momentum’s mission is to help people achieve mental and emotional health, discover and reach their potential, and fully participate in life.
More information at: www.momentumforhealth.org.
Media Contact: Isobel Press, Director of Marketing & Communications, ipress@momentumforhealth.org