SAN DIEGO MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE ASSUMES NEW ROLE

Mental Health America local CEO Scott Suckow leaving local organization June 1st

SAN DIEGO, CA (April, 7, 2010) -- Mental Health America of San Diego County (MHASD), San Diego’s oldest non-profit mental health advocacy organization, has announced that Scott Suckow, Chief Executive Officer, will leave the organization effective June 1st of this year. Mr. Suckow has accepted the position of Vice President of Community Partnerships with Mental Health Systems, Inc. and will continue his mental health advocacy work.

Mr. Suckow has served as the CEO since the agency merged with Alpha Behavioral Health Services (AlphaBHS) in January 2007. Prior to the merger Suckow held the position of Executive Director of AlphaBHS.

“As MHASD moves forward towards its goal of making San Diego a mentally healthier community through advocacy and public education, the Board of Directors thanks Scott for his leadership during a time of transition and growth,” stated Richard Conklin, Board President of MHASD. “The Board will start its search for a chief staff person to continue the momentum by implementing our new strategic direction.”

To maintain stability during the search Peggy Beers, the organization’s Vice President of Programs, has been appointed as the Interim CEO. Ms. Beers has been with MHASD for thirteen years and is currently a member of the organization's management team.

Since the merger, MHASD has successfully undergone a strategic board recruitment process, strengthened its internal operations, expanded the operating budget by nearly 200%, and completed an 18-month strategic planning process funded by The California Endowment and The Parker Foundation.

“I feel privileged that I had a chance to work with Mental Health America during this exciting period,” said Suckow. “Additionally, as a family member of someone living with Schizophrenia, I remain committed to continuing to work within the mental health sector in my new role”.

As Vice President of Community Partnerships with Mental Health Systems, Suckow will join the Mental Health System’s leadership team in creating access and breaking down barriers for individuals and families living with behavioral health problems who either cannot afford privately paid services or for whom appropriate services are not otherwise available.

“We are pleased to have someone with Scott’s background joining our organization in the Development Department,” stated Kimberly Bond, President of Mental Health Systems, Inc. “Scott has a long history of involvement in the non-profit community, particularly around improving access and standards of care in the healthcare sector. Over the course of his career, he has raised millions of dollars to fund research, patient education and outreach programs. These skills will support MHS as we respond to meet the needs of those living with behavioral health issues”.

Suckow has held leadership positions throughout the country with some of the nation’s leading voluntary health agencies. In addition to serving locally on numerous boards and commissions, in 2009 he was named one of San Diego Magazine’s “50 People to Watch” and is a 2009 LEAD San Diego graduate. Suckow will hold his current position through MHASD’s annual Healthy Minds Luncheon on May 4th, honoring Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego CEO Kathleen Sellick (www.hml2010.kintera.org).

About Mental Health America of San Diego County:
Mental Health America of San Diego County (MHASD) is the county’s oldest non-profit dedicated to helping ALL people liver mentally healthier lives. As part of a national organization with more than 300 affiliates nationwide, MHA represents a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the nation – everyday and in times of crisis. (www.mhasd.org)

About Mental Health Systems, Inc.:
Mental Health Systems, Inc. (MHS) began in 1978 by providing psychiatric day treatment and alcohol recovery services to adults in North San Diego County. Today MHS operates more than 90 community-based mental health and substance abuse rehabilitation programs throughout California and in Utah.

Using best-practices to develop treatment protocols, MHS programs are designed to serve the needs of those individuals with behavioral health problems who either cannot afford privately paid services or for whom appropriate services are not otherwise available. These services are publicly funded and aid the neediest segments of the population. (www.mhsinc.org)