A Broken Man Becomes a Fixer

Web Exclusive - Posted March 30, 2005

Throughout his professional career, Bill Denihan has gained a reputation as a “fixer” - someone who comes in to manage a troubled organization and turn it around. Among his many jobs, Denihan has been the Ohio Highway Safety Director, the Cleveland Safety Director, the Director of Cuyahoga County’s Department of Child and Family Services, and most recently, the head of the County’s Mental Health Board. But, perhaps his biggest challenge was to fix his own life. The son of alcoholic parents, Bill Denihan was forced to face some personal demons after a drinking binge nearly 30 years ago in the Flat Iron Café in the Flats. Recently, Denihan and ideastream’s David C. Barnett paid a visit to the Flat Iron to bring back some old memories.
Above: Bill Denihan raises his coffee cup at the Flat Iron Café (Photo by David C. Barnett)

See Also: Mental Health & Substance Abuse - Part 1 (Feature Story); Mental Health & Substance Abuse - Part 2 (Feature Story); Effects of Alcohol and Chemical Dependency on Mental Health (Resources)