For resources to manage COVID-19 stress, view our COVID-19 Resources.
Crisis Hotline: (419) 289-6111
Crisis Text Line: Text 4HOPE to 741741
Board Members
Mental Health and Recovery Board
Board Members
| Dwight McElfresh Board Chair | Tom Gaus Vice Chair | |
| Mike Parker Planning Committee Chair | Open Finance Committee Chair | |
| Andrew Kinney Secretary | ||
| Sara Battison | Shari Shafer | |
| Gloria Bloomquist | Brandy Sheaffer | |
| Connie Butler | Janet Sprague | |
| Susan Drushel | John Stoops | |
| Tanya Mounts | Katie Wright | |
| Nancy Udolph | Karen Carroll | |
| David C. Ross Interim Director |
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has."
-- Margaret Mead
Joining the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Directors
The Mental Health and Recovery Board (MHRB) is established in state law (ORC 340) and is responsible for the development, operation and supervision of publicly funded mental health and alcohol/drug services in Ashland County. The MHRB is governed by an 18 member board comprised of community volunteers, while day-to-day operations are carried out by a paid Executive Director and staff.
Board members are appointed by one of the following:
- Ashland County Commissioners (10 appointments)
- Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (8 appointments)
Board members are appointed to four-year terms. A board member may serve two consecutive four-year terms.
If you are interested in receiving a "Prospective Board Member Packet" to review, have questions or would like more information, please complete Prospective Board Member Interest Form or contact:
David C. Ross, Interim Director
Mental Health and Recovery Board of Ashland County
1605 County Road 1095
Ashland, OH 44805
419-281-3139
dross@ashlandmhrb.org
Responsibilities and duties of the Board of Directors include:
- Support the Mission, Vision and Values of the Board
- Attend monthly Board meetings.*
- Attend committee meetings (usually one each month).*
- Attend special Board meetings which may be called if necessary.
- Prepare for meetings and participate in discussions and decisions.
- Hire and evaluate the executive director.
- Set Board policy guidelines for the operation of the Board.
- Set long-range goals and participate in strategic planning.
- Approve and monitor the Board budget and agency allocations.
- Advocate for mental health and alcohol/drug services.
- Attend a minimum of 2 hours of approved training each year.
- Represent the Board to the community.
Board Member Requirements
Board member requirements are set by Ohio Revised Code, Section 340.02
All potential board members must:
- Be an Ashland County resident
- Attend a minimum of 2 hours of approved training each year
- Not have a relative working at an agency the board pays for services
- Not be absent from 4 meetings per year, or two meetings without prior notice
- Take an Oath of Office (ORC 3.22)
- Receive ethics training and be provided copy of the Ohio Ethics Law
All new board members complete a two hour orientation session which includes the required ethics training.
Board Meeting Schedule
All meetings start at 4:00 p.m. and take place at the Mental Health and Recovery Board offices at 1605 County Road 1095, Ashland, Ohio.
Planning Committee - 2nd Tuesday of the month
Finance Committee - 3rd Tuesday of each month
Board Meetings - 4th Tuesday of each month
Executive Committee - Meets on an "as needed" basis
* There are no regular Board meetings or committee meetings in July and December.
Board Committees
Much of the work done by the board is conducted in committee meetings. All board members are expected to serve on at least one committee. However, committees are not empowered to make decisions on behalf of the board. Any recommendations made by a committee must be brought before the full board during a regular business meeting for consideration and approval.
The board has three standing committees:
Planning Committee: This committee meets at 4:00 on the 2nd Tuesday of each month (except July and December) at the board office. The primary role of the Committee is to direct staff in the planning of services that will be provided with Board funds. In addition, the Committee reviews the evaluation, monitoring and compliance activities of the Board.
Finance Committee: This committee meets at 4:00 on the 3rd Tuesday of each month (except July and December) at the board office. The primary role of the Committee is to review and recommend to the full Board the Board budget, budget revisions and monthly financial statements, including the warrants.
Executive Committee: The Executive Committee is comprised of the board officers and committee chairs. The committee meets on an as needed basis, usually immediately before or following a regular board meeting. The primary role of this committee is to address issues regarding personnel and building/grounds.
1605 CR 1095, Ashland, OH 44805
Office: (419) 281-3139
Fax: (419) 281-4988
Crisis : (419) 289-6111
Email: ashmhrb@ashlandmhrb.org
