From CENTRAL KANSAS MENTAL HEALTH CENTER
After serving as the Executive Director of Central Kansas Mental Health Center (CKMHC) for eight years, Kathy Mosher announced that she would be stepping down from her position on March 14.
“It has been the most difficult decision of my career,” Mosher said of her departure. “Leaving CKMHC is one of the hardest things I will do, but my decision was based on the opportunity to be nearer to family.”
During her tenure, Mosher oversaw a period of remarkable growth at CKMHC. This includes building new programs and partnerships, expanding the psychiatry program, opening additional locations, improving access, and an overall agency growth of 50 percent.
Projects completed under Mosher’s leadership include opening the Martin Youth Center Crisis House, the addition of Genoa Pharmacy and Quest Lab onsite, and offering telehealth. She helped facilitate partnerships with five regional colleges and universities to become a training site for medical and clinical professionals. In 2019 CKMHC was chosen as one of five organizations to participate in the School Mental Health Intervention pilot program, which now provides services to over 900 students in 30 schools. Through all of her work, Mosher remained focused on creating improved access and better outcomes for CKMHC patients.
Mosher said that none of this would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of CKMHC’s staff and board.
“They are resourceful, compassionate, and focused in their pursuit of proven best practices. They are committed to supporting our patients and community, and ready to meet any challenge,” she said.
The organization is poised for continued growth with the recent federal CCBHC Grant and plans to increase the physical space to house new and expanded services.
In addition to her local leadership, Mosher has been involved with several statewide organizations. She has been a member of both the Kansas Youth Suicide and Bullying task forces, and the Mental Health Advisory Council through the Department of Education. She serves on the executive committee for the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas and as the president of the Attorney General’s Tower Mental Health Foundation.
“There is never a perfect time for this type of transition but I believe now to be the right time. CKMHC is positioned to have a bright future ahead and there are many exciting ventures on the horizon for the next leader,” Mosher said. “There is an incredible staff and board here and I know this agency will continue to thrive with this cohesive and talented team.”
“The leadership and change that Kathy brought to CKMHC is exceptional,” said Jerome Hellmer, CKMHC board chair. “Her professionalism in all phases of her leadership, including this transition, leaves the center in a position to move forward seamlessly and efficiently. Kathy is leaving the center in a positive position with great staff who will take the center to the next level. We truly appreciate all she has done and continues to do for the center.”