Leading With Empathy: The IAFF Center of Excellence Welcomes New Executive Director Marc Rattigan

Author: IAFF Center of Excellence Staff

October 17, 2019

The IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery has welcomed Marc Rattigan as the executive director, a key leadership role for both staff and patients. The Center of Excellence is a one-of-its-kind facility providing comprehensive services for fire fighters and emergency medical personnel living with behavioral health conditions or substance use disorder.

Marc brings with him years of military service, firsthand behavioral health treatment experience and a deep-seated family connection to the fire service. As the new executive director, Marc helps IAFF members by offering a steadfast example to everyone he serves.

Shaped by Service

As the grandson, son and nephew of career fire fighters, Marc has long been part of the fire service. Giving back to his community is part of who he is, having been surrounded by family members who have dedicated their lives to the fire service. When discussing his family’s history, Marc says that he “can attest to the demand that the men and women of the fire service experience.” 

This compassionate view of fire fighters led Marc to his leadership position at the Center of Excellence. He is able to put himself in the shoes of the members he interacts with at the Center and provides a deeper level of empathy during treatment, which in turn inspires and motivates those he works with.

Following in the footsteps of his family, Marc has committed his professional life to service. A combat veteran and member of the Order of Military Medical Merit, Marc spent 21 years in the United States Army. His work in the Army behavioral health community included substance abuse counseling, inpatient and outpatient services, sexual assault advocacy, Master Resiliency Training and several epidemiological studies with high-risk populations.

Before joining the dynamic team at the IAFF Center of Excellence, Marc was chief of operations at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. With a bachelor’s degree in emergency management, Marc brings a lifetime of care into his new role serving IAFF members.

Leading the Way to Healing

Fire fighters seeking treatment for mental health conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression or substance use disorder may feel overwhelmed by treatment options or discouraged by the stigma associated with mental health. Part of what makes the IAFF Center of Excellence unique is the staff’s sole focus on and experience with fire fighters. While other medical providers and clinicians may offer quality care, the Center of Excellence understands fire fighters in a way that few other locations can.

As the executive director of the Center of Excellence, Marc Rattigan is dedicated to supporting fire fighters and paramedics living with mental and behavioral health conditions. Leading with empathy, he is committed to providing exceptional care to empower IAFF members to live fully in recovery.

If you or someone know is struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD or addiction, world-class help is closer than you think. The IAFF Center of Excellence in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, has comprehensive treatment programs specifically designed to meet the needs of fire fighters. Call today to speak with a member of the Center of Excellence team and take your first step toward long-term healing.