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.