Mental Health & Recovery Board Staff
Judy Wortham Wood, Executive Director
Robert Smedley, Associate Director of Alcohol/Drug Services
Julia Bogner, Community Relations Specialist
Rose Love, Business Manager
Sue Zarlengo, Secretary
Mental Health and Recovery
Board names
Judy Wortham Wood
Executive Director
Judy
Wortham Wood is the new Executive Director as of November 3,
2008. She is the third executive director of the Board and
succeeds William Mateer who announced his plans to retire late
last year.
“The Board was very fortunate to have
a long list of extremely qualified candidates to choose from,” stated
Mary Ann King, MHRB Chairperson. “Judy Wortham
Wood rose to the top because of her comprehensive understanding
of the issues that the MHRB must address in the coming months,” King
added. This understanding comes from Wortham Wood’s
experience as the Deputy Director of the Ohio Department of
Mental Health, and as the CEO of a Comprehensive Behavioral
System. She also brings demonstrated abilities to develop
successful relationships, collaborative partnerships, and effective
communication at all levels of government. Wood also
has shown a comprehensive understanding of provider issues,
consumer/family issues, and problem solving skills.
“The Search Committee looked at over
120 applications and followed the process as approved by the
Board,” stated David Dutton, Search Committee Chairperson. “We
involved provider agencies, the staff, consumers, community
leaders, and board members from the very beginning in focus
groups,” Dutton added. From the focus groups evolved
a list of 8 qualifications that the Search Committee was to
strive for in a candidate. Judy Wortham Wood met or exceeded
every “must have” on the list.
“It is an honor and privilege to be
selected as the new executive director of the Mental Health
and Recovery Board of Wayne and Holmes Counties,” said
Judy Wortham Wood. “The opportunity to come back
to the place where I grew up is truly a welcome one. I
am eager to reintroduce myself to the community and ready to
work with providers, consumers/family members, and community
leaders,” Wood stated. “I look forward to
working with the competent, professional staff at the Mental
Health & Recovery Board and adding my experience, knowledge,
and leadership to this team.” she added.
|