President

Gail M. Lankford, PhD, LCADAC, ADC, CRC, NCC, NCFC

Dr. Gail M. Lankford is a trailblazer in the field of substance abuse and HIV prevention and treatment and public health practice. Dr. Lankford has distinguished herself among her colleagues by valuing industry-based certifications for herself and a trainer for others.

Currently, she serves as the President and CEO of Bayshore Community Counseling Services, Inc. (BCCS), a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. At BCCS, she leads human capital programs and conducts community coalition building, alcohol and other drug prevention services, health disparities and injustices activities, and promotes community leadership.

For more than 35 years, Dr. Lankford has held a variety of professional positions in local and state governments as well as in private clinical practice. For example, Dr. Lankford has served as the Clinical Director and Program Director of Addictions at the Somerset County Health Department and Program Director of Behavioral Health where she managed behavioral health for incarcerated individuals, addictions health, and mental health. Her experience has included the direct management of more than 16 million dollars in state and federal grant funding. Moreover, her work in addictions and mental health has been recognized and lauded by her peers and governmental agencies.

But yet, Dr. Lankford is best known as an educator of college-aged young adults. She is passionate about helping young adults meet their career goals in behavioral health. She has served as adjunct faculty and retired from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) as the Director of Clinical Education in the Department of Rehabilitation in the School of Pharmacy & Health Professions.

Email Gail: [email protected]

Executive Director

De’Aira Johnson, B.S, M.ED,

De’Aira Johnson serves as the Executive Director of Bayshore Community Counseling Services. With extensive experience in community development, De’Aira leads the organization’s efforts to promote wellness, prevent substance use among youth, and support mental health across Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore. Her expertise ensures Bayshore’s programs, partnerships, and resources are tailored to the unique needs of Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore communities. Under her leadership, Bayshore continues to grow as a trusted resource, fostering a healthier future for Lower Eastern Shore youth and families.

Email Deaira: [email protected]