By SALINA POST
Central Kansas Mental Health Center Board of Directors has selected Glenna Phillips as the organization's executive director.
The Central Kansas Mental Health Center announced on Jan. 10 that Kathy Mosher planned to step down as executive director on March 14. Mosher has served in that position for eight years.
Phillips is scheduled to assume her new duties on March 14. She will be the fifth executive director in the organization's nearly 60-year history, according to a news release from the Central Kansas Mental Health Center.
“The board was very pleased to have such a strong internal candidate with long term dedication to CKMHC as well as leadership with the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) transition, which will be the primary focus for the next several years to come,” said Kathy Mosher. “Her experience and dedication will prove to be of tremendous benefit to the continued success of CKMHC and the communities we serve.”
Phillips joined Central Kansas Mental Health Center in 1996 as a case manager. Over the years, she has served in various leadership positions including coordinator of community based services (children and youth), director of community support services (adult services), and director of community programs and outreach. She most recently served as the CCBHC project director. She earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Kansas in 2016.
"CKMHC is a dynamic organization that continues to grow and change, and we have an incredibly talented and dedicated staff. This is an exciting time to step into this role," Phillips said. "It is an honor to continue the visionary work of past Directors like Kathy Mosher and Patricia Murray. I have big shoes to fill, but am looking forward to the challenge."
Board Chair Jerome Hellmer praised the board’s process and decision.
"Transition is always a time of anxiousness and excitement. The board received many qualified applicants, and I want to thank our subcommittee who worked so diligently to present our finalists, both exceptional candidates," Hellmer said. "After significant discussion and review, the board was pleased to offer the executive director position to Glenna. Her depth of experience in many facets of mental health, her longstanding support of CKMHC’s mission, her collaboration and relationships with our many partners, and her being on board with our transition to the CCBHC model provided the fit for our next phase in mental health care. We are confident that Glenna will provide strong leadership, continuity, and a seamless transition as we move forward.”
In her new role, Phillips will continue to focus on building community and person-centered care, according to information from Central Kansas Mental Health Center.
"I am very passionate about the idea that mental health care happens wherever a person is. I believe CKMHC can continue to be part of the mechanism of providing quality and consistent care outside of our four walls, where we can empower communities, workplaces, schools, and homes to provide good mental health care," Phillips said.