Born in Northern England, Dr Lehany moved to New Zealand five years ago with his family.
Prior to taking on the new role, Dr Lehany worked for Capital and Coast District Health Board forensic services.
He said he had thought about applying for the role earlier but wanted to gain more experience first.
"I have been involved in changes that have occurred at Stanford House, particularly the interface with the wider forensic network, and I will continue to work with them two days a week."
Dr Lehany has also taken on chair of strategic planning which includes management of the Rising to the Challenge initiative.
The initiative was created in March 2014, working in collaboration with the Ministry of Health to develop Whanganui's mental health and addiction services over five years.
Three years later the board is revisiting the resource.
Dr Lehany said they have contacted stakeholders, which includes all mental health services in Whanganui and patients and family members, to find out what they think should be the next step.
Whanganui's new clinical director of mental health and addiction said the priority was working to integrate services better with primary care.
"It is a really good document but we need to distil ideas and put the priorities into action."
