Santa Maria’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Vaughan Gilmore, LCSW-S and LCDC has been selected to serve as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer. Vaughan has served as Santa Maria’s Chief Clinical Officer for more than three years, leading the oversight and development of program services, quality initiatives and training both staff and interns. Under her guidance Santa Maria has improved the quality, efficiency and effectiveness in delivering treatment services.
In addition to her leadership at Santa Maria, Vaughan brings with her a wealth of education and experience. She is a graduate of Texas Christian University and obtained her master’s degree in social work from the University of Texas at Arlington. Before joining Santa Maria Vaughan served as the Director of Addiction and Recovery Services at The Menninger Clinic where she led a team of addiction professionals focused on providing integrated treatment for co-occurring psychiatric and addictive disorders. In this role Vaughan integrated peer recovery services into the inpatient setting and aided in the implementation of hospital-wide outcome measures focused on substance use disorders.
Vaughan is passionate about expanding access to recovery pathways and reducing stigma associated with substance use disorders. She believes that all women should have access to high quality substance use treatment regardless of their ability to pay. Her hard work and dedication is fueled by the mission of Santa Maria and providing recovery programs and services to women, children and families in need.
Vaughan officially began in the role of CEO on February 19, 2025. Santa Maria’s outgoing CEO, Nadine Scamp will remain in an advisory role throughout March to ensure a smooth transition for board, staff and volunteers alike.
“Stepping into the role of CEO at Santa Maria is an honor and a privilege. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to build upon the strong foundation Nadine has created—a foundation built on compassion, resilience, and a commitment to empowering women and families.
Over the past three years, I have seen firsthand the passion and dedication of our community, and I am inspired by the work we do every day. Santa Maria will continue to make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve, ensuring they have the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive.”
– Vaughan Gilmore, Santa Maria CEO
On April 16, 2024, more than 100 of Santa Maria’s dedicated supporters gathered at this annual fundraiser celebrating the thousands of women and families whose lives are transformed via Santa Maria’s work. The event was held at Station3, a historic Houston fire station now used as a unique event venue. A fitting place to celebrate Santa Maria who has been serving women and their families in Houston for more than 65 years.
