Your MHRB Board

The Mental Health and Recovery Board exists to serve the mental health and recovery needs of our community. The Board 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. Meet our 18 community volunteers, learn about the responsibilities they fulfill, and discover how you can get involved.

About the Board
Join the Board
Nancy Udolph

BOARD CHAIR

Mary Deeter

VICE CHAIR

Andrew Kinney

PLANNING COMMITTEE CHAIR

Chad Brown

FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR

Katie Wright

SECRETARY

David C. Ross

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Sara Battison
Cindy Kyser
Connie Butler
Dennis Dyer
Tanya Mounts
Shari Shafer
Ed Kieper
Janet Sprague
John Stoops
Tom Gaus
Benjamin Key
Meet Our Staff
Read About Our Philosophy

Board Requirements and Responsibilities

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 Member Responsibilities and Duties

  • Support the Mission, Vision and Values of the Board
  • Attend monthly Board meetings.
  • Attend committee meetings.
  • 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 Committees and Meeting Schedule

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.

Board meetings take place on the 4th Tuesday of each month. There are no regular Board or committee meetings in July and December. All meetings start at 4:00 p.m. and take place at the Mental Health and Recovery Board office at 1605 County Road 1095, Ashland, Ohio. 

The Board has four standing committees:

  • Planning Committee

    This committee meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. The primary role of the Planning 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 on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. The primary role of the Finance Committee is to review and recommend to the full Board the Board budget, budget revisions and monthly financial statements, including the warrants.

  • Nominating Committee

    This committee meets on an as-needed basis. The Nominating Committee identifies possible candidates to serve on the Board, reviews current Board needs, researches the backgrounds of potential members, conducts interviews with potential members, and starts the nomination process to the Full Board and ultimately the appointing authority (OhioMHAS and County Commissioners) for formal appointment. 

  • Executive Committee

    This committee on an as-needed basis, usually immediately before or following a regular board meeting. The Executive Committee is comprised of the Board officers and committee chairs. The primary role of this committee is to address issues regarding personnel and building/grounds.

Joining the MHRB Board

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 Lindsay Bruner at 419-281-3139 or lbruner@ashlandmhrb.org. 

1605 CR 1095, Ashland, OH 44805
Office: (419) 281-3139
Fax: (419) 281-4988
Crisis: (419) 289-6111
Email: ashmhrb@ashlandmhrb.org

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© 2023 Ashland Mental Health and Recovery Board. All rights reserved.

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Prospective Board Member Interest Form

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION Board members are appointed by the following: County Commissioners (appoint 10 Board members, general appointments), the Ohio Department of Mental Health (appoint 4: physician, someone in recovery from a mental illness, a family member of a person with mental illness and a mental health professional) and the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services (appoint 4: someone in recovery from chemical dependency, a family member of someone who is chemically dependent and an advocate for alcohol/drug services and a chemical dependency professional). Please check any of the appointments you would consider below.

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